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
Relevance
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
Clowns entertain crowds at local fairs by twisting skinny balloons into poodles and swords.
—
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Sesame Street is one of the most popular and beloved children's shows of all time, with characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Abby Cadabby entertaining kids for more than 50 years.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025
Young Thug wasn’t the only target, however, as his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, also caught a few shots for entertaining Thugger’s insults over the phone.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
With so much roasting, baking, and entertaining ahead, a fresh oven ensures your meals taste their best and your kitchen smells inviting—not smoky or burnt.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025
Sesame Street is one of the most popular and beloved children's shows of all time, with characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Abby Cadabby entertaining kids for more than 50 years.
—Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025
Young Thug wasn’t the only target, however, as his girlfriend, Mariah The Scientist, also caught a few shots for entertaining Thugger’s insults over the phone.
—Jessica Bennett, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
With so much roasting, baking, and entertaining ahead, a fresh oven ensures your meals taste their best and your kitchen smells inviting—not smoky or burnt.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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This restaurant is open only Thursday-Saturday, serves a maximum of 18 diners, as a result, strictly requires reservations and offers a boat ride first with a saffron tea and amuse bouche service onboard.—
Laurie Werner,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Lalay, a 15-foot crocodile, was not amused and spent half an hour thrashing around with the man’s leg clenched in her teeth, until the park owner clocked her over the head with a block of concrete to get her to let go.—
Kassondra Cloos,
Outside,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Democrats also are contemplating hosting a midterm convention, as the party looks to boost turnout and raise more money.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
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Current investors will need to exercise patience and closely monitor execution, while those contemplating a purchase should carefully assess the risks and avoid chasing short-term momentum.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The sensor handles up to 70Gs of acceleration and has a sensitivity of up to 30,000 dots per inch (DPI).—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
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The remaining 10 analysts have a hold equivalent rating.—
Sean Conlon,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Like his Washington, Bargatze’s Farnsworth regaled a trio of underlings (SNL cast members Bowen Yang, Mikey Day, and James Austin Johnson) with ridiculous yet accurate predictions for the future, in this case of TV.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
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Her mother, an enslaved woman whose name is lost to history, had been a storyteller, too, regaling the girl with folktales on the Maryland plantation where she was born in the mid-nineteenth century.—
April White,
JSTOR Daily,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As Mary’s family attempts to rally around the Downton heiress, Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora (Elizabeth McGovern) are navigating their way through more financial strife, with those downstairs also left to ponder what the future holds for aristocratic homes like theirs.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Sep. 2025
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Brendan McDermid | Reuters After Swedish payments group Klarna’s $17 billion initial public offering, investors are pondering which big fintech name will be the next to go public.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lift the wiper arms gently and make sure they're held firmly in place.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
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And the timing of Williams’ recent improvement may represent a good sign for the Yankees, who are still holding onto a glimmer of hope of winning the AL East while attempting to secure the first wild-card spot and homefield advantage.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Six cars, five trucks and 19 utility vehicles are on the list to be considered the best car, truck or utility vehicle of the year.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
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The wood of sequoias is considered brittle, and few logs made it to the mill.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The brands that double down on efforts to retain customers through engagement and personalized experiences stand to win on two fronts–retaining more customers while attracting consumers dissatisfied with their current banking experience.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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Always in darkness, PSRs are thought to retain water ice that, if present, could be converted into drinkable water, breathable oxygen and rocket fuel.—
Leonard David,
Space.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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