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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigils
Noun
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Florida weather radar Florida weather watches and warnings Stay informed.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
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Oklahoma weather watches and warnings Stay informed.—
Brandi D. Addison,
Oklahoman,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The trail at Maiden Rock Bluff State Natural Area boasts one of the prettiest lookouts on the entire Mississippi.—
Katy Spratte Joyce,
Midwest Living,
31 Mar. 2026
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The group ate meals that were delivered to her, posted lookouts for social workers and cops and stored drugs, guns and ammunition in her apartment.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Vigils.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigils. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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