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
Similarly, homeowners who enjoy entertaining might prioritize a scullery or prep kitchen/pantry to keep the party mess out of view.
—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Khamenei reportedly went into hiding during this month’s Israel-Iran conflict, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly entertained suggestions he should be assassinated and opponents called for a democratic uprising in Tehran.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Being able to bring authentic mental health stories to life in a way that both resonates and entertains is an increasingly valuable skill, and one that can set you apart in today’s media landscape.
—Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 26 June 2025
Khamenei reportedly went into hiding during this month’s Israel-Iran conflict, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly entertained suggestions he should be assassinated and opponents called for a democratic uprising in Tehran.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 24 June 2025
Being able to bring authentic mental health stories to life in a way that both resonates and entertains is an increasingly valuable skill, and one that can set you apart in today’s media landscape.
—Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Hairpin turns and stressful pit stops go a long way toward entertaining F1 fans and neophytes alike, though melodrama and a bloated run time put the brakes on what should be a film that zips.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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The project amused Shaw-Rimmington—he’d never seen an actual stagecoach house built in that way, and certainly not in California.—
Jennie Rothenberg Gritz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
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Fans of Pitch Perfect, which famously begins with Camp's Aubrey profusely upchucking all over the crowd at the a cappella finals, will be, if not delighted, at least amused to know that her new film, Bride Hard, begins in much the same way.—
Lauren Huff Published,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Wright decided to come out after contemplating suicide in 2006.—
Jeff Nelson,
People.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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This fall, the airline will have a sweepstakes where members can share their travel memories on social media for the chance to win 200,000 miles to redeem to the airline’s long list of destinations, including several new U.S. cities.—
Ramsey Qubein,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
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Police determined the male driver of the motorcycle and his juvenile passenger had serious injuries and both were flown out via Lutheran Air for treatment.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
Verb
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Arriving onstage hours late, Stone regaled the astonished crowd with a diatribe against Jerry Goldstein, his manager since the early ’90s.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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For example, Braun regaled how on a particularly windy day in West Palm Beach, the shuttle stopped along its route seemingly out of nowhere.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The modern 55 and older homebuyer isn’t looking to sit all day on a recliner pondering our end of life options.—
Jamie Gold,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The two countries have been engaged in aerial strikes and Trump had been pondering U.S. involvement for the past week.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
23 June 2025
Verb
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But what if this isn’t a fight to win, but a lesson in learning how to hold your center amidst chaos?—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
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If your apartment balcony, backyard patio, front porch, or garden corner could use a little love, consider adding a bistro set to your outdoor space.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 July 2025
Verb
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But whatever her deal, the chibi-like iteration of Pauline retains her powerful singing voice.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
10 July 2025
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The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to their material.—
Rowan Briggs,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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