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
For this new batch of episodes, Povenmire and Marsh embraced the show’s successful formula where the boys come up with new and always increasingly creative ways to entertain themselves.
—
Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Epstein was known to entertain famous people on his island, Little St. James, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
—Jesus Mesa
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Beyond the underlying themes of family and deception, Banks just wants audiences to be entertained.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 4 June 2025
Volta gave demonstrations to scientific institutes across Europe with esteemed attendees, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and entertained audiences in theaters with electric devices.
—Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
Epstein was known to entertain famous people on his island, Little St. James, in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
—Jesus Mesa
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Beyond the underlying themes of family and deception, Banks just wants audiences to be entertained.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 4 June 2025
Volta gave demonstrations to scientific institutes across Europe with esteemed attendees, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and entertained audiences in theaters with electric devices.
—Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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Start strong with its signature amuse bouche, an oyster—perhaps from St. Vaast or Oléron, depending on the season—served with a spicy margarita shot.—
Eleanor Aldridge,
AFAR Media,
30 May 2025
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Reactions online ranged from shocked to amused, with some commenters poking fun at Will’s scream.—
Ashley Vega,
People.com,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Instead of a revolution, this new approach contemplated a middle way between capitalism and socialism, one premised on a cooperative relationship between workers and management.—
Time,
Time,
29 May 2025
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Though the film doesn’t provide a satisfactory resolution to these threads, the time the audience spends contemplating them is mostly enjoyable.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Trump will never have any tolerance for business leaders who challenge Trump’s authority.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Time,
6 June 2025
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Prospective candidates had until May 30 to submit their applications.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 June 2025
Verb
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Julia Ramírez and state Rep. Theresa Mah, passed by as marching bands from local schools regaled the parade-goers with music.—
Madeline Buckley,
Chicago Tribune,
26 May 2025
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Book Now During the 90-minute drive from Dubrovnik Airport to Montenegro’s Boka Bay community, my taxi driver regaled me with stories of all the famous people who’d been spotted along the Bay of Kotor, on Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast—from Johnny Depp and Bill Gates to Barack Obama.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Verb
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Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
7 June 2025
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Tatis pondered the question of whether being hit has affected his hitting in any way.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
Verb
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Manufacturing has been on the decline in the United States, with only 8% of American workers holding jobs in that sector as of earlier this year compared to roughly 26% in 1970, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, And a lot has changed since 1970.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
28 May 2025
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The two were known for hosting parties and held a coveted status as leaders of Hollywood’s original Rat Pack.—
Michelle Duncan,
Architectural Digest,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In addition, a Nissan spokesman confirmed that the company is considering offering EREV options in its mid-size and larger SUVs.—
Joe D'Allegro,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
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This beautiful tropical country was long considered a no-go because of civil unrest and economic instability.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
30 May 2025
Verb
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Cons Vermiculite can retain too much water for plants that thrive in drier conditions.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 June 2025
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Humectants are substances that attract and retain water molecules, keeping things moist and hydrated by drawing moisture from the air or from deeper layers of the skin.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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