Synonyms of entertains

entertains

verb

present tense third-person singular of entertain

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

• amuses
• regales
• distracts
• delights
• occupies
• appeases
• diverts
• pleases
• solaces
• captivates
• engrosses
• engages
• busies
• enchants
• interests
• disports
• fascinates
• involves
• mesmerizes
• immerses
• intrigues
• hypnotizes
• enthralls
• comforts
• bewitches
• indulges
• consoles
• beguiles
• soothes
• charms
• gratifies
• placates
• absorbs
• pampers
• humors
• obliges
• contents
• spoils
• pacifies
• coddles
• pleasures
• mollifies
• propitiates
• conciliates
• grips
• mollycoddles

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bores
• wears
• wearies
• exhausts
• drains
• enervates
• wears out
• annoys
• aggravates
• disturbs
• bothers
• harasses
• exasperates
• fatigues
• upsets
• irks
• tires
• vexes
• perturbs
• pesters
• piques
• jades
• chafes
• bugs
• frets
• grates
• galls
• harries
• nettles
• peeves

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

• contemplates
• ponders
• considers
• debates
• weighs
• explores
• eyes
• questions
• studies
• analyzes
• deliberates
• ruminates
• meditates
• revolves
• reviews
• looks at
• cogitates
• thinks (about or over)
• turns
• chews on
• wrestles (with)
• mulls (over)
• pores (over)
• perpends
• chews over
• digests
• reminisces
• beats one's brains out (about)
• believes
• cudgels one's brains (about)
• reflects (on or upon)
• concludes
• kicks around
• muses (upon)
• conceives
• opines
• absorbs
• reasons
• assimilates
• speculates (about)
• fixates (on or upon)
• second-guesses
• obsesses (about or over)
• dwells (on or upon)
• frets (about or over)
• broods (about or over)
• drinks (in)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• disregards
• overlooks
• rejects
• dismisses
• slights
• pooh-poohs

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

• has
• holds
• retains
• cherishes
• harbors
• cultivates
• keeps
• maintains
• sustains
• bears
• nurtures
• nurses
• remembers
• carries
• fosters
• supports
• holds on to
• preserves
• hangs on to
• treasures
• hugs
• sticks (to)
• clings (to)
• cleaves (to)
• fixates (on or upon)
• obsesses (about or over)
• broods (about or over)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignores
• neglects
• forgets
• disregards
• overlooks
• denies
• refuses
• rejects
• drops
• scorns
• repudiates
• disdains
• declines
• abandons
• parts (with)
• renounces
• forsakes
• discards
• quits
• abjures
• gives up
• erases
• deserts
• throws out
• expunges

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of entertains

Now 94, Cynthia still entertains with tales of bygone Barbados at the family's regular guest cocktail parties, whilst dinner is underscored by jazz singers and instrumentalists. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026

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