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
Browse the thoughtful collection of stationery, entertaining staples, milestone gifts, unique lampshades, and more.
—
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
British filmmaker Charlie Shackleton brought his true crime meta-documentary Zodiac Killer Project, which world premiered at Sundance, to the picturesque spa town and entertained the audience during Q&As following screenings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Dinklage is particularly amusing as the giddy, genteel Prater, while Ritter balances wry disdain with flirtatious charm as Mia. Hall is, as always, entertaining as Dexter, delivering his character’s signature blend of deadpan humor and an earnest façade.
—EW.com, 10 July 2025
These high-end options have expansive private balconies (some with hot tubs and dining tables), in-suite living areas spacious enough to entertain, and oversized bathrooms, some with sea-view showers.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 11 July 2025
British filmmaker Charlie Shackleton brought his true crime meta-documentary Zodiac Killer Project, which world premiered at Sundance, to the picturesque spa town and entertained the audience during Q&As following screenings.
—Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Dinklage is particularly amusing as the giddy, genteel Prater, while Ritter balances wry disdain with flirtatious charm as Mia. Hall is, as always, entertaining as Dexter, delivering his character’s signature blend of deadpan humor and an earnest façade.
—EW.com, 10 July 2025
These high-end options have expansive private balconies (some with hot tubs and dining tables), in-suite living areas spacious enough to entertain, and oversized bathrooms, some with sea-view showers.
—Erica Silverstein, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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The project amused Shaw-Rimmington—he’d never seen an actual stagecoach house built in that way, and certainly not in California.—
Jennie Rothenberg Gritz,
Smithsonian Magazine,
1 July 2025
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Fans of Pitch Perfect, which famously begins with Camp's Aubrey profusely upchucking all over the crowd at the a cappella finals, will be, if not delighted, at least amused to know that her new film, Bride Hard, begins in much the same way.—
Lauren Huff Published,
EW.com,
21 June 2025
Verb
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While Leslie’s book is largely about Lennon, McCartney and their fruitful collaborations, contemplate what George Harrison became.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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Wright decided to come out after contemplating suicide in 2006.—
Jeff Nelson,
People.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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Vientos was in the lineup Friday hitting fifth against right-hander Michael Wacha, who has neutral splits against righties and lefties.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
12 July 2025
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Before the death at the house, Snow Angels had nearly no citations or issues with the state Department of Social Services, according to the business’ licensing file reviewed by the Union-Tribune.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Arriving onstage hours late, Stone regaled the astonished crowd with a diatribe against Jerry Goldstein, his manager since the early ’90s.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
9 June 2025
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For example, Braun regaled how on a particularly windy day in West Palm Beach, the shuttle stopped along its route seemingly out of nowhere.—
Abigail Hasebroock,
Sun Sentinel,
15 May 2025
Verb
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The Rafael Devers blockbuster is probably the biggest deal that will go down, but the temptation is there to ponder other earthshaking possibilities, no matter how remote.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
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Viewing the team’s three-year stint here as an audition of sorts, officials have pondered if the local enthusiasm for baseball could help prove the Sacramento region as a welcome home for MLB.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
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And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
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For years, top Trumpworld figures, some of whom currently hold top administration posts, and even the president himself, speculated about Epstein’s death and his alleged blackmail operation.—
Christian Datoc,
The Washington Examiner,
14 July 2025
Verb
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The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but Kelly said the idea never got off the ground and the cost would have been an issue.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
6 July 2025
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Many organizations should consider launching a convoy of innovations.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Cops don't have to disclose when AI is used in every department, and Draft One does not save drafts or retain a record showing which parts of reports are AI-generated.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
10 July 2025
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Schools have used the money to recruit and retain educators during the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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