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
Downstairs, a wine cellar, fitting for a place built on rhythm and refinement, offers another opportunity to relax and entertain.
—
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 July 2025
But after a handful of Republicans temporarily stalled the $9 billion rescissions package last week over the Epstein issue, Speaker Mike Johnson does not appear likely to entertain further consideration of the matter before setting the House free on a five-week recess that stretches past Labor Day.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 21 July 2025
The release said Hon! Jr. is filled with humor, heart, and a memorable score and promises to entertain audiences of all ages with its wit, warmth, and message of acceptance.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Ventriloquist: Marc Griffiths the ventriloquist will entertain children during a Kids Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road.
—Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 21 July 2025
But after a handful of Republicans temporarily stalled the $9 billion rescissions package last week over the Epstein issue, Speaker Mike Johnson does not appear likely to entertain further consideration of the matter before setting the House free on a five-week recess that stretches past Labor Day.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 21 July 2025
The release said Hon! Jr. is filled with humor, heart, and a memorable score and promises to entertain audiences of all ages with its wit, warmth, and message of acceptance.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2025
Ventriloquist: Marc Griffiths the ventriloquist will entertain children during a Kids Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10 at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road.
—Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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The unexpected footage, now boasting over 2.7 million views on TikTok, revealed her orange tabby in action, leaving viewers both amused and amazed.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 July 2025
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Letterman mocked Phoenix throughout the segment, drawing laughter from the crowd while the actor did not appear amused.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
16 July 2025
Verb
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The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.—
Jack Knudson,
Discover Magazine,
11 July 2025
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Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Gateway to the South has ties to the Civil War, as the phrase was used by longtime Courier Journal editor Henry Watterson in an 1895 speech to a fraternal organization of Union veterans.—
Leo Bertucci,
The Courier-Journal,
24 July 2025
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January had the most overtime hours, amounting to 270 hours, according to data provided by the city.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
Verb
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The outburst inspired motherly glances from Adams and Jones, who regaled McAllister before with sorry tales of the past two decades.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
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Former Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban also spoke, regaling the audience with a story about visiting the Oval Office in 2018 during Trump’s first term.—
Michelle L. Price and Kim Chandler,
Los Angeles Times,
2 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 several years, MLB held a draft in January and a secondary phase in June for players who had been previously drafted.—
Bodie De Silva,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 July 2025
Verb
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This is particularly important for homeowners in fire-prone areas to consider, the James Hardie pro says.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 July 2025
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Several residents said the situation was an opportunity for the City Council to consider letting residents select their waste hauler, rather than limiting them to services with the city’s lone waste hauler, Republic Services.—
Tammy Murga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 July 2025
Verb
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However, Congress can still review all legislation passed by the D.C. Council and retains authority over the district's budget.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
22 July 2025
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Mulching can help the plant’s shallow roots retain moisture.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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