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
Relevance
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
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.
Recent Examples of entertain
The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
—
Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
To entertain the crowds and prevent visitors from trampling his berry farm, Knott hatched a plan to build some shops and roadside attractions inspired by the Old West.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025
Local musicians entertain guests every evening, while a menu of international classics—prepared with local ingredients, many of which come from the on-site garden—will satisfy any palate.
—Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Located on the top floor of a historic 1920s building right by Fulton Market, this prime Airbnb is great for entertaining.
—Gabriela Ulloa, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Oct. 2025
To entertain the crowds and prevent visitors from trampling his berry farm, Knott hatched a plan to build some shops and roadside attractions inspired by the Old West.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 27 Oct. 2025
Local musicians entertain guests every evening, while a menu of international classics—prepared with local ingredients, many of which come from the on-site garden—will satisfy any palate.
—Kate Van Dyke, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Located on the top floor of a historic 1920s building right by Fulton Market, this prime Airbnb is great for entertaining.
—Gabriela Ulloa, Architectural Digest, 25 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
-
Her husband seemed amused by her confusion.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The October 19 post has received numerous comments, with viewers amused by the golden retriever’s dramatic response.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Louise Hémon The jury would also like to acknowledge a director whose film transported us into an extreme landscape, and created an unsettling atmosphere that kept us contemplating the nature of lust, education, and violence.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Deacon clatters off in his truck, leaving me to contemplate my new home.—
Rowan Jacobsen,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The former first round pick in the 2024 MLB draft had a masterful outing, finishing with 12 strikeouts, which broke Don Newcombe’s rookie record for the most in a World Series start, set in 1949.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Hank remained single throughout the series but has had brief moments of chemistry with other characters, including with Nina Chapman (Sara Bues) in season 11.—
Francesca Gariano,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
His father, a veteran of World War II, was a burial vault salesman and would often take Fitzpatrick with him on business trips, regaling him with tales of the city.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
23 Oct. 2025
-
But his film career began in earnest with 2020's Scare Me, a stylish comedy about writers regaling each story with spooky tales in an isolated cabin during a power outage.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Gavin Newsom is pondering a White House run.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Martinez notes that the mind-bending plot has given audiences a cinematic experience to truly ponder.—
William Earl,
Variety,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The eight-hour event, which was held at a local school, attracted 800 to 900 people, Waggoner says — and one of them, Brenda Hodgkin, 41, was both a volunteer and beneficiary.—
Janelle Griffith,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Fentanyl poisoners who harm and exploit others will be held accountable.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse instead, like this compact but spacious one from Amazon.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The design challenge is to maintain console-grade responsiveness while retaining flexibility, likely through a dedicated TV shell and systems that manage background apps and drivers.—
Alex Harrington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
-
Sarah retained her Duchess of York title following her divorce.—
Meredith Kile,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share