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
During filming, according to Donald Smith’s biography, Long Lance entertained the Ojibwe actors and crew with war dances and traditional storytelling, often accompanied by an assistant director—Ilya Tolstoy, the Russian novelist’s grandson.
—
David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Outdoors, a Wolf gas grill and under-counter beverage fridge make entertaining a breeze alongside a six-person hot tub and gas fire pit.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2026
Moon, an Annie Awards and BMI Film & TV Awards winner, incorporated his passions for music in family life, from expressing his daily observations in a sing-songy manner to playing the piano to entertain friends and family.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
At his core, not much has changed for Heagerty, who now entertains people through his stand-up comedy, online comedy videos and work as an actor.
—Colleen Bidwill, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
David Treuer, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
Outdoors, a Wolf gas grill and under-counter beverage fridge make entertaining a breeze alongside a six-person hot tub and gas fire pit.
—Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 13 Jan. 2026
Moon, an Annie Awards and BMI Film & TV Awards winner, incorporated his passions for music in family life, from expressing his daily observations in a sing-songy manner to playing the piano to entertain friends and family.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026
At his core, not much has changed for Heagerty, who now entertains people through his stand-up comedy, online comedy videos and work as an actor.
—Colleen Bidwill, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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Helen shoots him a warning look—but she’s amused by his little hint.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
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The coincidence amused some, while others were convinced that Annabelle had something to do with it.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But the new documents show that the school has been contemplating the possibility of a move for more than a year.—
Ben Bolch,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Jan. 2026
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After contemplating very deeply and carefully for many long hours attempting to discern a plausible alternative explanation for the rhetoric and the policies, what is the only thing that a reasonable person can conclude?—
Rafael Perez,
Oc Register,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Boston's David Pastrnak had an assist on Lindholm's goal to extend his scoring streak to four games, with four goals and four assists in that span.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
While past studies have shown that dairy products may have a protective effect against dementia, how specific dairy products affect cognitive health remains unclear.—
Julia Ries Wexler,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While the team behind KPop Demon Hunters walked to the stage to accept the award for Best Motion Picture - Animated at the 2026 Golden Globes, announcers Marc Malkin and Kevin Frazier regaled the audience with facts about the film and its win.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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Ed Wallace, who regaled radio listeners, TV viewers and newspaper readers with stories and advice about cars, died Sunday at his Fort Worth home.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Take the time to ponder outdated habits or emotional scars.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Jan. 2026
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Advertisement China has long pondered surgical strikes against Taiwan’s leadership, though any such move is likely to be self-defeating, given the island is a sustained democracy.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If that sounds hyperbolic, consider that Independence offensive coordinator Marlon Barnett has compared Resar to former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, who was the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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Since the two pieces are such versatile staples, consider this your sign to add similar dress pants and pumps to your own wardrobe.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Each application will be reviewed individually, giving regulators greater flexibility while retaining tight oversight.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Jan. 2026
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Leadership also noted that, despite the legal friction, a majority of members voted to retain the current board during a separate special meeting.—
Chase Jordan
January 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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