vigils

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 The group has hosted and co-organized over eight protests, marches, rallies and vigils — some attended by hundreds. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 July 2026 Members are also holding weekly evening vigils at the parish to draw attention to this latest Eastside environmental catastrophe. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026 The vigils — held at the corner of 7th Street and Capitol Mall — typically involved music, singing and prayers from members of different faiths, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Buddhist. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026 Meanwhile, residents in Springfield have organized prayer vigils, rallies, food drives and donations for Haitian families. Gina Perez, The Conversation, 21 July 2026 On Sunday evening, hundreds of people gathered in the cities of Caracas and Maracaibo to hold vigils in the name of those who have died and the tens of thousands who remain missing. Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 6 July 2026 The backdrop for protests, vigils, celebrations and stunning sunrise photos. ABC News, 27 June 2026 The community rallied with vigils and blood drives, prayers and performances. Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 Hundreds of people stood in line for hours to give blood, and people held candles and hugged strangers at vigils. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
  • Dan Higgins, left, watches as the roof sections are installed in a memorial shelter honoring his brother, Jeff, in November 2025.
    Logan Smith, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Shockingly, only a day or so later, on the night of October 13, 2025, the very same museum was robbed again, this time of several watches and jewelry, estimated to be worth over €1 million.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Dogs are natural lookouts who love to survey their territory.
    Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • This family-friendly beach features a boardwalk with lookouts, playground, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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