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.
This method works only as long as employees exercise constant vigilance—over the machines, themselves, and one another. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 And there’s no doubt this one will require public vigilance and healthy skepticism over the details in the months and years to come. — Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 The defense of Brazilian democracy must therefore rest not only with the Brazilian people, through free, fair and transparent elections, but also with the vigilance and engagement of the international community. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026 The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 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

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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 21 Oct. 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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