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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Recent Examples of vigils
But inside mosques, at vigils and around family tables, conversations reveal a city still reeling, and one beginning to reckon with what comes next.
—
ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
The vigils continued with another one Tuesday night at a commission meeting in Tamarac.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Widespread protests and candlelight vigils followed January’s fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
The community mourned Corder, holding vigils and demonstrations in his honor in the days that followed the six-year MPD veteran's death.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The nonprofit creates and distributes missing persons flyers, holds vigils and awareness events, and conducts searches.
—Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
But these recent years have been frustrating, particularly this current administration, which was why Saturday was his second time attending the vigils.
—Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
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
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
ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
The vigils continued with another one Tuesday night at a commission meeting in Tamarac.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Widespread protests and candlelight vigils followed January’s fatal shootings by ICE agents in Minneapolis of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care unit nurse.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
The community mourned Corder, holding vigils and demonstrations in his honor in the days that followed the six-year MPD veteran's death.
—Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 27 Mar. 2026
The nonprofit creates and distributes missing persons flyers, holds vigils and awareness events, and conducts searches.
—Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026
But these recent years have been frustrating, particularly this current administration, which was why Saturday was his second time attending the vigils.
—Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2026
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
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The batteries are commonly found in products including phones, watches, e-cigarettes, hoverboards and appliances.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
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Below are 15 of the coolest green-dial watches currently on the market.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
14 May 2026
Noun
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What to see today There are plenty of hikes and lookouts throughout the park, from Halemaʻumaʻu Crater to the petroglyph field, featuring ancient rock carvings, along the Chain of Craters Road.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
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Inland, Dunk Island is covered in lush rainforest, with several trails leading to lookouts, quiet beaches, and the island’s high point, Mount Kootaloo, which sits at 900 feet above sea level.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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