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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of entertain
Browse the thoughtful collection of stationery, entertaining staples, milestone gifts, unique lampshades, and more.
—
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
British filmmaker Charlie Shackleton brought his true crime meta-documentary Zodiac Killer Project, which world premiered at Sundance, to the picturesque spa town and entertained the audience during Q&As following screenings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Dinklage is particularly amusing as the giddy, genteel Prater, while Ritter balances wry disdain with flirtatious charm as Mia. Hall is, as always, entertaining as Dexter, delivering his character’s signature blend of deadpan humor and an earnest façade.
—EW.com, 10 July 2025
These high-end options have expansive private balconies (some with hot tubs and dining tables), in-suite living areas spacious enough to entertain, and oversized bathrooms, some with sea-view showers.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
British filmmaker Charlie Shackleton brought his true crime meta-documentary Zodiac Killer Project, which world premiered at Sundance, to the picturesque spa town and entertained the audience during Q&As following screenings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Dinklage is particularly amusing as the giddy, genteel Prater, while Ritter balances wry disdain with flirtatious charm as Mia. Hall is, as always, entertaining as Dexter, delivering his character’s signature blend of deadpan humor and an earnest façade.
—EW.com, 10 July 2025
These high-end options have expansive private balconies (some with hot tubs and dining tables), in-suite living areas spacious enough to entertain, and oversized bathrooms, some with sea-view showers.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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The project amused Shaw-Rimmington—he’d never seen an actual stagecoach house built in that way, and certainly not in California.—
Jennie Rothenberg Gritz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
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Fans of Pitch Perfect, which famously begins with Camp's Aubrey profusely upchucking all over the crowd at the a cappella finals, will be, if not delighted, at least amused to know that her new film, Bride Hard, begins in much the same way.—
Lauren Huff Published,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
11 July 2025
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Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
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Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The outburst inspired motherly glances from Adams and Jones, who regaled McAllister before with sorry tales of the past two decades.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban also spoke, regaling the audience with a story about visiting the Oval Office in 2018 during Trump’s first term.—
Michelle L. Price and Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
2 May 2025
Verb
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The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
Verb
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This is particularly important for homeowners in fire-prone areas to consider, the James Hardie pro says.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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Several residents said the situation was an opportunity for the City Council to consider letting residents select their waste hauler, rather than limiting them to services with the city’s lone waste hauler, Republic Services.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Peter Shane, an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, told USA TODAY that over the years Congress has given the president authority to move parts of agencies around, but retained veto authority over the changes following the 1930s New Deal.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
10 July 2025
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But whatever her deal, the chibi-like iteration of Pauline retains her powerful singing voice.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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