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

Founded in 1961 and housed in a historic church, the theater entertains audiences in its 416-seat auditorium with musicals and plays produced by professionals from around the country. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026

Emma Woodhouse entertains herself by meddling in the romantic affairs of her neighbors. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026

Steel Pier still entertains families, and the wooden walkway remains a tradition for many families. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

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