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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of entertain
Both Brunson and Moore have not only entertained but have also paved the way for future generations of creators, particularly women, to be lead players in the television industry.
—
William Earl, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
For the first 45 minutes of the celebration, the Alina Celeste Mi Amigo Hamlet duo entertained the youngsters.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
For entertaining larger groups, pick up this six-person set that comes with a sofa, loveseat, and club chair, all complete with comfy cushions.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
So even as the Nazi regime was radicalizing through the 1930s and committing horrific violence, the German population was still laughing and being entertained.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
William Earl, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026
For the first 45 minutes of the celebration, the Alina Celeste Mi Amigo Hamlet duo entertained the youngsters.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
For entertaining larger groups, pick up this six-person set that comes with a sofa, loveseat, and club chair, all complete with comfy cushions.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
So even as the Nazi regime was radicalizing through the 1930s and committing horrific violence, the German population was still laughing and being entertained.
—Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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But Anderson is clearly amused, and has already made a number of pieces for the Mayers offspring (the children use their father’s surname).—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
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The thing that really amused me is that at the beginning of the process, Duncan had written this great adaptation and script.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Leonard’s deal with Aspiration occurred as Ballmer invested in the company and as the Clippers and Aspiration signed deals that contemplated a $300 million partnership for Aspiration to sponsor the Clippers’ arena and the team’s jersey patch.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
24 Apr. 2026
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The paintings incorporate scenes Martinez witnessed during nighttime walks through Istanbul, contemplating the boundaries and borders created by the city’s barriers, amid political unrest and oppression.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Earnings from India’s bellwether software services exporters have reinforced investor concerns about the sector’s growth prospects, signaling that the downturn in their stocks has further to run.—
Ashutosh Joshi,
Bloomberg,
27 Apr. 2026
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That outing followed a strong Game 3 showing, too, as Dosunmu had 25 points (10-for-15 shooting) and nine assists in that 113-96 win.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Someday, Victor Vodnik can regale his three young daughters, Ariel, Rose, and Viviana, with tales about his battles with Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
17 Apr. 2026
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Tony drove us around one afternoon, regaling us with stories about Fogo’s history.—
Akash Kapur,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Redditors also ponder an IKEA cookie relation.—
Alex Beggs,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
25 Apr. 2026
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First, there are the big-name athletes to find and woo into competing on the streets of the UK’s capital, then the pace-makers, the notable debutants, and the tantalising head-to-heads to create; there’s the hotel bookings, the visas, the flights, the prize money and even bonuses to ponder over.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Carl Wilson held a lead Tuesday night in the special election for a City Council seat on Manhattan’s West Side against Lindsey Boylan, in what has shaped up as a proxy battle in the ongoing power struggle between Mayor Mamdani and Council Speaker Julie Menin.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
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The conspiracy charge holds a maximum sentence of life in federal prison, while the kidnapping charge is punishable by up to 20 years.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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If the particular coat isn’t available anymore, consider a gift card.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Las Vegas has depth at the edge, making the Auburn product an interesting pick considering needs like offensive line, defensive tackle and wide receiver are still unfilled.—
Sam Warren,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Among them were several members of the Seidler family, most of whom are retaining at least a portion of their ownership stakes.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Equally concerning is that requiring twice as many workers per case without a plan to recruit or retain them risks widespread gaps in care.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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