1
as in to amuse
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to contemplate
to give serious and careful thought to
have you ever entertained the thought that you could be wrong?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to have
to keep in one's mind or heart
I don't entertain the hope of ever getting a girl like that to go out with me
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of entertain
View Outside’s longstanding literary storytelling tradition comes to life in audio with features that will both entertain and inform listeners.
—
Outside Online, 7 Jan. 2026
First opened in 1994, Atlantis set the tone for mega-resorts for travelers seeking the comforts of full service experience, alongside a myriad of ways to keep kids entertained.
—Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Jan. 2026
Some students — like the owner of a pristine 1960s Chevrolet Impala — entertained a crowd of oglers with their immaculate engine bays and pristine paint jobs.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026
Large American flags were draped along the side of the main stage where The Beard & The Bird entertained guests with a blend of jazz, blues, and country music.
—Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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Helen shoots him a warning look—but she’s amused by his little hint.—
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The coincidence amused some, while others were convinced that Annabelle had something to do with it.—
Verb
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But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.—
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After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?—
Verb
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Boston's David Pastrnak had an assist on Lindholm's goal to extend his scoring streak to four games, with four goals and four assists in that span.—
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While past studies have shown that dairy products may have a protective effect against dementia, how specific dairy products affect cognitive health remains unclear.—
Verb
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Ed Wallace, who regaled radio listeners, TV viewers and newspaper readers with stories and advice about cars, died Sunday at his Fort Worth home.—
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Jim often regaled others with the spicy story.—
Verb
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Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.—
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Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.—
Verb
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Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
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He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Verb
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If that sounds hyperbolic, consider that Independence offensive coordinator Marlon Barnett has compared Resar to former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.—
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Since the two pieces are such versatile staples, consider this your sign to add similar dress pants and pumps to your own wardrobe.—
Verb
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Save Victoria Park retains hope that the decision can be reversed, saying that applications for the park’s permanent legal protection are still being evaluated.—
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Crockett then argued that the criticism reflects Republican discomfort with her appeal to voters Democrats have struggled to retain, particularly those without college degrees.—
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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