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
This style of theater both enlightens and entertains, each actor stepping out of the ensemble inside Kelleher’s direction that teeters on the edge of heavy-handidness without ever getting there.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Take the quiz here … EGG DROP — Chef entertains food festival crowd with unexpected crack.
—FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
According to Fora advisor Amna Ismail, the museum entertains guests of all ages with its collection of over 33 million specimens and artifacts.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The Oscar-winning actress also sings, writes, entertains fans with her viral cooking videos, and helms the lifestyle empire Goop — valued at around $250 million.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
For the family that entertains often, the kitchen was designed to be fully functional without sacrificing atmosphere.
—Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Tellingly, when thinking about Erika on his own, Elliot entertains more traditional desires, like getting married and starting a family.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag entertains your restaurant questions, rants and raves.
—Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The episode delivers the cozy, inviting format fans love, giving viewers a closer look at how the Duchess of Sussex gets creative for the holidays, entertains, and cooks (not to mention what's in her winter wardrobe).
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Take the quiz here … EGG DROP — Chef entertains food festival crowd with unexpected crack.
—FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
According to Fora advisor Amna Ismail, the museum entertains guests of all ages with its collection of over 33 million specimens and artifacts.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
The Oscar-winning actress also sings, writes, entertains fans with her viral cooking videos, and helms the lifestyle empire Goop — valued at around $250 million.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026
For the family that entertains often, the kitchen was designed to be fully functional without sacrificing atmosphere.
—Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 13 Feb. 2026
Tellingly, when thinking about Erika on his own, Elliot entertains more traditional desires, like getting married and starting a family.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag entertains your restaurant questions, rants and raves.
—Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026
The episode delivers the cozy, inviting format fans love, giving viewers a closer look at how the Duchess of Sussex gets creative for the holidays, entertains, and cooks (not to mention what's in her winter wardrobe).
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertains
Verb
-
The thing that amuses me the most?—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
22 Feb. 2026
-
In December, the two sat down in Exactly Right’s Burbank headquarters — a setting that still amuses them both.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The initiative contemplates the creation of a Guatemalan Film Institute, a Film Promotion Fund, a Film Commission operating as a one-stop shop for international productions, a National Cinematheque and a National Higher School of Cinema, among others.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
6 Mar. 2026
-
The remainder of the novel transforms into a kind of horror film of its own as Maya contemplates a prison sentence in a Russian penal colony where conditions are unsanitary, frigid, and inhumane.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Anyone who has watched the last decade of merger mania in Hollywood has good reason to be skeptical.—
Lucas Shaw,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
-
The 21-year-old has already done the same outside Balmain and Acne Studios that day, and has plans later to stand outside Rick Owens.—
Madeleine Schulz,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Around the old-growth-fir dining table, Nansen regales us with tales of the rebuild.—
Jen Murphy,
Robb Report,
8 Mar. 2026
-
In the indie film, Hawke transforms himself into the diminutive composer, who regales attendees at Sardi’s bar with anecdotes about his career highs in the theater and bemoans the loss of his former partnership with Richard Rodgers.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Derek’s mother-in-law visits, and Paul ponders his legacy.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Mar. 2026
-
Expect a meditative film that ponders big issues with a poet-like touch.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Weatherspoon holds offers from mid-majors such as Buffalo, High Point University, Northern Colorado and UTEP.—
Kyle Newman,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Players can choose whether to throw the stone alone or with a teammate who holds the wheelchair steady.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Jan Steyn considers the literary lessons of gout.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Mar. 2026
-
With misinformation rife and many turning to alternative sources for their news, politics and history fixes, the BBC is faced with a significant challenge, and big ticket swings such as today’s commissions are what the broadcaster considers its answer.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Clay soil is heavy and retains water longer than sandy soils.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Dallas Morning News retains full editorial control of the Education Lab’s journalism.—
Jessica Ma,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertains. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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