vigil

noun

ˈvi-jəl How to pronounce vigil (audio)
Definition of vigilnext
as in watch
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 vigil An emotional vigil was held Tuesday evening in the Bronx for Riley Billingslea, a 15-year-old who police say was found shot to death last week in a Kingsbridge Heights apartment building. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 Hostage families and their supporters gathered at the square for mass rallies, weekly Shabbat gatherings, vigils and public events demanding the release of those held in Gaza. — Deborah Danan, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026 Behind him is the main hall, built in 1697 and designated a prefectural cultural property, standing vigil against a slate-gray sky. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026 In September 2022, James attended a vigil for Queen Elizabeth in Westminster Hall, alongside his sister Lady Louise and cousins Prince William, Prince Harry, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. — Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigil
  1. watch
  2. surveillance
Noun
  • There is no additional preseason game check added because one player takes 50 snaps while a starter watches from the sideline.
    — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The watch is for Northern Craven, Southern Craven and Inland Onslow as well as Pitt, Greene, Beaufort, Duplin, Lenoir, Jones and Pamlico counties.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of watch
Noun
  • Detectives are reviewing additional surveillance videos for more leads.
    — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Equity means ensuring every child has access to what research tells us supports learning, not flooding classrooms with surveillance technology that produces cognitive and emotional debt that will disproportionately harm students of color.
    — Kaliris Salas-Ramirez, New York Daily News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of surveillance

Browse Nearby Words

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vigil
vigilance
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Cite this Entry

“Vigil.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigil. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on vigil

Nglish: Translation of vigil for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigil

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