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
Exhaust and entertain your little ones.
—
Allison Johnson,
The Verge,
23 June 2026
The hotels on this list promise all that and more, with a wide range of activities to keep the entire family entertained – and stellar service to boot.
—
Deeya Sonalkar,
TheWeek,
23 June 2026
Keep the kids entertained this summer with this fun magnetic building set.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Unfortunately for Stephenson and Beasley, the league wasn't nearly as entertained.
—
Amber Harding Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Allison Johnson,
The Verge,
23 June 2026
The hotels on this list promise all that and more, with a wide range of activities to keep the entire family entertained – and stellar service to boot.
—
Deeya Sonalkar,
TheWeek,
23 June 2026
Keep the kids entertained this summer with this fun magnetic building set.
—
Bestreviews,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Unfortunately for Stephenson and Beasley, the league wasn't nearly as entertained.
—
Amber Harding Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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But even in hard times, there are things to amuse us.
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In the hour-long special, taped the Skirball in New York City in March, Barone aims to shock, amuse, and arouse.
Verb
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To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
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But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
Verb
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The sport has a big future because of you guys.
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The land at Aqueduct is ready to go, no need for demolition, no need to remove and remediate dangerous industrial waste like other sites have.
Verb
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Knowledgeable docents regale guests with stories about the Ingalls family, residents of the hotel, and the town, and also point out artifacts from pioneer-era life during 45-60 minute tours.
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Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
Verb
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Plunkett, with the Norman Rockwell Museum, pondered whether Americans viewing the painting today would find a familiar feeling.
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Season 2 continues this thread, and Hely pondered the sense of exhaustion about living in this corporate world.
Verb
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Those arrested for criminal conduct must be held accountable in our court system.
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The toys clanked, the players held their breath and onlookers whispered strategies on the sidelines – until a winner was crowned.
Verb
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Aid groups consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a disaster to be the most critical window for finding survivors, though access to food and water can extend that period.
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Should Portugal have rested Ronaldo against Colombia, considering Portugal entered Saturday’s match already assured of advancing to the knockout stage?
Verb
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The microfiber fabric is feathery light and airy, but still retains a soft and cuddly feel to keep you comfortable no matter the season.
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The acquisition, in which founder Judson Macor and CEO James Elian will retain a stake, is expected to close in the third quarter.
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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