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
Older kids and adults may sit those play areas out, but little kids could be entertained for hours.
—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
However, incorporating the latest luxury pool design trends can take backyard entertaining to another level.
—
Terri Williams,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Access to best-selling audiobooks, podcasts, and original content will keep a parent awake and entertained during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
1 July 2026
Set up some yard games—they'll keep the adults entertained and get the kids to play until their energy is spent—and make a fire as the sun sets.
—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
However, incorporating the latest luxury pool design trends can take backyard entertaining to another level.
—
Terri Williams,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Access to best-selling audiobooks, podcasts, and original content will keep a parent awake and entertained during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes.
—
Beth Ann Mayer,
Parents,
1 July 2026
Set up some yard games—they'll keep the adults entertained and get the kids to play until their energy is spent—and make a fire as the sun sets.
—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 July 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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To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
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But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
Verb
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The landmark property celebrates the style of the sixties, when air travel still had a spark of glamor.
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The Chiefs have a world championship banner hanging atop the press box.
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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This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
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Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
Verb
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The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
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The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
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 Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.
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Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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