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
In February, events throughout South Florida are designed to honor, educate, entertain, engage and bring the community together.
—
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The listing describes a private backyard with a pool, upgraded decking, and enough space to entertain or relax.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Feb. 2026
Neon Grove is the place for kids aged 8 to 12, entertained with activities that include gaming consoles and skee-ball.
—Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
In addition to tea and tiny sandwiches, you will be entertained by Gregory May — a real live clown.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The listing describes a private backyard with a pool, upgraded decking, and enough space to entertain or relax.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Feb. 2026
Neon Grove is the place for kids aged 8 to 12, entertained with activities that include gaming consoles and skee-ball.
—Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
In addition to tea and tiny sandwiches, you will be entertained by Gregory May — a real live clown.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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They were probably just amused by it, and Epstein more so.—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Trump’s frenetic social media activity is also aimed more at titillating his hardcore online supporters (and, again, amusing himself) than persuading swing voters.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Collecting vinyl, clubbing at Berghain, contemplating polyamory—this is cool.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
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Proponents of such laws cite potential conflicts of interest between public interests and private ones, particularly when lawmakers or officials are contemplating a move from one sphere to the other.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judges in counties with the program have a list of OFR attorneys who can be contacted and paid through legislative appropriations, rather than through court funds.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Robbie is at her finest when regaling Charli XCX or Jessie Ware and her mom about her clubbing days.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
12 Feb. 2026
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Ninny regales Evelyn with tales of Idgi, her sister-in-law and friend who used to run the Whistle Stop Cafe, a restaurant on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, that served good coffee, better barbecue, and great gossip.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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At least one likely outcome would’ve been apparent, but pondering that likelihood wasn’t Pretti’s responsibility.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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Its lessons are ones Republicans should ponder — and fast.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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To strengthen the economy, Texas must rein in local spending, increase transparency, expand audits of cities, counties, and universities, and consider local spending caps so taxpayers aren’t saddled with unsustainable obligations.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Though she initially was considered missing, the urgency to quickly find Guthrie pulsed through the first days of media coverage because of her heart condition.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Re-build the agency by hiring and retaining great people.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
According to the American Craft Spirits Association, American craft distilleries rose from 150 to 200 in 2010 to over 3,000 by 2023, and while that number has begun to level off over the past year, the craft whiskey industry retains its strong presence.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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