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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For this reason, most people do not even contemplate the possibility of these companies ever getting displaced.
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On this late May evening, the 15 men gathered there were contemplating tackling something few had previously had the courage or skill to take on.
Verb
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Mbappé, one of two men to have a hat trick in a World Cup final, scored his 13th and 14th World Cup goals in France's 3-1 tournament-opening victory against Senegal.
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During a childhood fight, Aemond had his eye cut out by Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys and stole her family’s ferocious, powerful red dragon Vhagar.
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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Even the most technology-savvy leaders are still pondering and probing where the ceiling is in terms of containing agent sprawl and complexity.
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Any larger Hollywood studio would have likely insisted on a grander finale, but The Death of Robin Hood, produced by A24, left me pondering the foolishness of my need for such a denouement.
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 28 Jun. 2026.
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