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
For keeping entertained, Shard Place renters have access to 12,000 square feet of luxury amenities across three stories.
—
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
The Rays didn’t respond to questions related to selling the team, or to entertaining any meetings with the group from Orlando.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2025
Before the speeches, several Vietnamese groups entertained the audience with traditional dances and singing.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Show co-creator Neil Druckmann — who co-created and wrote The Last of Us games — told TheWrap that the changes are to keep fans of both mediums entertained.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025
The Rays didn’t respond to questions related to selling the team, or to entertaining any meetings with the group from Orlando.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2025
Before the speeches, several Vietnamese groups entertained the audience with traditional dances and singing.
—David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025
Show co-creator Neil Druckmann — who co-created and wrote The Last of Us games — told TheWrap that the changes are to keep fans of both mediums entertained.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
-
What others think sometimes irritates but mostly amuses us.—
Jo Yurcaba,
NBC news,
6 May 2025
-
The panel seemed confused, and Cannon seemed amused, as Lucky Duck explained that both Coral and Boogie Woogie would be safe and heading to the finale.—
Lauren Huff,
EW.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
And to contemplate if the Leafs will get enough offense from down the lineup, given how well the Panthers shut down the Lightning in their first-round series.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
While looking for Rust and Lucas, Wood contemplates the fate of his own son, who is afflicted by a potentially fatal disease.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Choose your battles wisely—some arguments aren’t worth winning (or having).—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 May 2025
-
Elsewhere, Colorado does have strict policies in place for its athletics Hall of Fame.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
The president took them through the residence, showing off the Lincoln Bedroom and the Yellow Oval Room while regaling the group with historical facts, and finished the jaunt in the Oval Office.—
Reid J. Epstein,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Asking this question encourages employees to pause and ponder.—
Rachel Pacheco,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
-
Gibson ponders Indigeneity, belonging, modern music and a more equitable future across the exhibit’s paintings, sculptures, flags and video installation.—
Alia Yee Noll,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
After six weeks of uncertainty, a solution was finally reached on Thursday (May 1): The 98th Oscars will be held as originally scheduled.—
Paul Grein,
Billboard,
4 May 2025
-
Heiss’s bed would be a platform floating in a room, with no clutter around it; the only other objects would be a curved lamp and a cabinet to hold Heiss’s linen shirts and trousers.—
Lillian Fishman,
New Yorker,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
These myths persist because the industry is still evolving, and many brands are learning to measure beyond what experts now consider to be superficial metrics, like likes or follows.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
5 May 2025
-
The unpredictability that is causing volatile swings across all major markets has wine collectors considering their sourcing methods.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
Current borrowers should retain access to IBR, depending on legislative outcomes.—
Robert Farrington,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
Despite his step back from his royal role, Andrew retains the 31-room Royal Lodge as his private home and main base.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 13 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share