1
as in amuses
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in contemplates
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 has
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 entertains
Fans can enjoy a selection of food favorites like hot dogs, pizza, pierogi, burgers, warm pretzels and popcorn in addition to full-service bars in the stands, while mascot Rusty the Railcat entertains all ages.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
For Rodriguez, the property represents the realization of a childhood dream that shaped not only the architecture of the home but also how the couple entertains and lives.
—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Moe entertains far grander dreams.
—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
The Green Griller likely has an herb garden blooming in his yard and entertains in a rugged yet stylish manner with a variety of equipment that imparts a clean, outdoorsy flavor without leaving behind ash.
—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
But, of course, nobody entertains for a moment the thought that the fund could conceivably reward an actual victim of weaponization.
—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
Elsewhere, the female duo invokes some breaking of the fourth wall for good measure, just as the film, at points, entertains conspiratorial views regarding 9/11, perhaps to dispel the idea that this work is solely an exercise in verisimilitude.
—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
17 May 2026
Umbrellas are dotting the viewing area as a Marine band entertains guests.
—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Quinn credits Neon’s interest in working with foreign directors in part to his growing up overseas, but ultimately believes in film’s ability to capture audiences with work that both entertains and communicates feelings that resonate across cultures.
—
Time Contributors,
Time,
28 Apr. 2026
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
For Rodriguez, the property represents the realization of a childhood dream that shaped not only the architecture of the home but also how the couple entertains and lives.
—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
Moe entertains far grander dreams.
—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
The Green Griller likely has an herb garden blooming in his yard and entertains in a rugged yet stylish manner with a variety of equipment that imparts a clean, outdoorsy flavor without leaving behind ash.
—
Catharine Kaufman,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 May 2026
But, of course, nobody entertains for a moment the thought that the fund could conceivably reward an actual victim of weaponization.
—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
Elsewhere, the female duo invokes some breaking of the fourth wall for good measure, just as the film, at points, entertains conspiratorial views regarding 9/11, perhaps to dispel the idea that this work is solely an exercise in verisimilitude.
—
Lé Baltar,
IndieWire,
17 May 2026
Umbrellas are dotting the viewing area as a Marine band entertains guests.
—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
Quinn credits Neon’s interest in working with foreign directors in part to his growing up overseas, but ultimately believes in film’s ability to capture audiences with work that both entertains and communicates feelings that resonate across cultures.
—
Time Contributors,
Time,
28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertains
Verb
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And Griffin Hanson amuses in several small roles.
-
The thing that amuses me the most?
Verb
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The agreement contemplates beginning the design phase of the new stations while the arbitration is ongoing.
-
It’s been a long time since Steven Spielberg directed a film as quintessentially Spielbergian as Disclosure Day, which contemplates how humankind might react to proof that extraterrestrial life exists.
Verb
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Just like white vinegar, lemon juice has an acidity that can get rid of dullness affecting your whites.
-
Miami has 12 roster spots filled and will add two or three other players on value deals.
Verb
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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.
-
Aboard the boat, Terry regales his passengers with tales of the river, from namesake Twain to tragic Lovers' Leap just downstream of Hannibal.
Verb
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Vieira ponders the dilemma from his own perspective as a coach, having had spells in charge at New York City, Nice, Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Genoa.
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As coach John Hynes ponders his Game 1 starter, the recent numbers will show that Wallstedt has allowed a total of four goals in his final two regular-season starts, while veteran Filip Gustavsson has been touched for 10 in the same span.
Verb
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The self-image of a predominantly Anglo civilization on the far side of the world—a distant, lucky country insulated from global conflict—no longer holds.
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Each carafe holds 35 ounces and features a narrow neck for easier pouring.
Verb
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Gupta considers the blanket rent freeze a blunt tool that doesn't adequately address the affordability crisis.
-
The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio considers the overall perspective of quality across thousands of companies, not just a single driving factor, retains the 30 strongest, and rebalances them with rigor.
Verb
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Centralized high-scale manufacturing retains advantages for standardized products with stable demand, long runs and low sensitivity to distance.
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As a result, your body retains more heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Cite this Entry
“Entertains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertains. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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