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
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Recent Examples of vigils
There are many who have rallied to his defense, holding vigils and protests in cities and towns across Europe to North and South America as well as throughout the Middle East and North Africa.
—
Max Weiss, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit accuses the administration of violating 1st Amendment protections, sparking nationwide protests and vigils for the woman killed in the enforcement sweep.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Hundreds of people participated in gatherings labeled as vigils, protests or demonstrations, Friday in Barrington, Saturday in North Chicago and Highland Park, as well as Sunday in Waukegan and Lake Zurich, protesting the ongoing immigration enforcement actions of the federal government.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The controversy sparked immediate protests and vigils in large and small cities across the country, which have so far included tens of thousands of Americans.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Families wait The standoff is playing out publicly as families of detainees hold vigils outside Venezuela’s most notorious prisons, including El Helicoide, the Caracas headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
As Kansas City plans demonstrations and vigils in Good’s memory, Ferguson hopes this incident doesn’t bring federal attention to Kansas City.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
For months, backers of the longtime immigrant-rights activist have organized regular vigils outside the Aurora detention center where Vizguerra had been held.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025
Some find comfort in attending vigils or religious services to honor the victims, as coming together in solidarity can ease the sense of powerlessness.
—Kriti Gupta, Refinery29, 17 Dec. 2025
Max Weiss, Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026
The lawsuit accuses the administration of violating 1st Amendment protections, sparking nationwide protests and vigils for the woman killed in the enforcement sweep.
—Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
Hundreds of people participated in gatherings labeled as vigils, protests or demonstrations, Friday in Barrington, Saturday in North Chicago and Highland Park, as well as Sunday in Waukegan and Lake Zurich, protesting the ongoing immigration enforcement actions of the federal government.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Jan. 2026
The controversy sparked immediate protests and vigils in large and small cities across the country, which have so far included tens of thousands of Americans.
—Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Families wait The standoff is playing out publicly as families of detainees hold vigils outside Venezuela’s most notorious prisons, including El Helicoide, the Caracas headquarters of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026
As Kansas City plans demonstrations and vigils in Good’s memory, Ferguson hopes this incident doesn’t bring federal attention to Kansas City.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
For months, backers of the longtime immigrant-rights activist have organized regular vigils outside the Aurora detention center where Vizguerra had been held.
—Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 23 Dec. 2025
Some find comfort in attending vigils or religious services to honor the victims, as coming together in solidarity can ease the sense of powerlessness.
—Kriti Gupta, Refinery29, 17 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
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United States weather alerts The interactive map below shows all of the weather alerts (warnings, watches and advisories) currently in effect from the National Weather Service.—
Doyle Rice,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
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The four watches interpret works that span artistic movements from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Drug couriers and lookouts, for example, are now eligible for shorter sentences.—
Kevin Krause,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can venture along trails at the golf course, connecting to the Cobble Hill Trails and the Blueberry Hill Trails, with miles of multiuse paths and various scenic lookouts displaying views that stretch to Vermont’s Green Mountains.—
Lauren Breedlove,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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