vigils

Definition of vigilsnext
plural of vigil
as in watches
an act or period of watching for signs of activity, danger, or opportunity kept vigil at their ailing son's bedside the entire time he was in the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of vigils But Joshua Duckett still holds annual vigils in the belief that Trenton, who would now be 21 years old, will come home someday. Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026 The first vigils were just close friends, Thompson told USA Today during an interview over El Salvadoran pupusas from the nearby restaurant. Irene Wright, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 In Tel Aviv, a group of Israelis holds a series of silent vigils to protest their country’s murder of children in Gaza. Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026 According to the lawsuit, faith leaders have been leading prayer vigils at Whipple since at least 2018. Aki Nace, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026 Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Feb. 2026 The latter short, directed by Hilla Medalia, witnesses Tel Aviv’s silent vigils for Gaza’s children, protests marked by posters with beaming faces, and sometimes met with open scorn. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 Some also attend special church services and prayer vigils, or a Good Friday liturgy Friday evening. Marina Johnson, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026 The beginnings of the visits date back to 2007, when Sisters Pat Murphy and JoAnn Persch started organizing weekly prayer vigils outside the building. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
  • Yet his name continues to be stamped onto everything — Bibles, sneakers, watches, mobile phones and the Epstein files.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Half the watches Ross showcased are Rolexes.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Bus operators and conductors are lookouts for first responders and are on the scene before emergency personnel arrive.
    John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Viewers also go up into the crow’s nest – the lookouts’ point of view – and into the lifeboats.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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