vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
Synonyms of vigilance
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Synonyms of vigilance

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Examples of vigilance in a Sentence

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Such vigilance and concerted action spurred self-regulation in movies and television decades ago. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2026 In her depiction of the exhausting vigilance this reality required, through a second-person voice cannily implicating her reader, Rankine created a new language to identify a problem as old as the United States. — Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Mental health can change quickly, so constant vigilance is important. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 The army urged people to adopt high vigilance and stay in safe places. — David Brennan, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigilance

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vigilance was in 1533

Phrases Containing vigilance

Browse Nearby Words

vigil
vigilance
vigilance committee
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Cite this Entry

“Vigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilance. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Medical Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being wakeful and alert : degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli
vigilant
-lənt How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vigilance

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