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
In February, events throughout South Florida are designed to honor, educate, entertain, engage and bring the community together.
—
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The listing describes a private backyard with a pool, upgraded decking, and enough space to entertain or relax.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Feb. 2026
Neon Grove is the place for kids aged 8 to 12, entertained with activities that include gaming consoles and skee-ball.
—Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
In addition to tea and tiny sandwiches, you will be entertained by Gregory May — a real live clown.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
The listing describes a private backyard with a pool, upgraded decking, and enough space to entertain or relax.
—Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Feb. 2026
Neon Grove is the place for kids aged 8 to 12, entertained with activities that include gaming consoles and skee-ball.
—Fran Golden, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2026
In addition to tea and tiny sandwiches, you will be entertained by Gregory May — a real live clown.
—Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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Trump’s frenetic social media activity is also aimed more at titillating his hardcore online supporters (and, again, amusing himself) than persuading swing voters.—
W. James Antle III,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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In short, Altman may say he was amused by Anthropic’s latest slight, but given his heated rhetoric, the gloves are starting to come off.—
Victor Tangermann,
Futurism,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Collecting vinyl, clubbing at Berghain, contemplating polyamory—this is cool.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
6 Feb. 2026
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Proponents of such laws cite potential conflicts of interest between public interests and private ones, particularly when lawmakers or officials are contemplating a move from one sphere to the other.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Known for combining high fashion with streetwear, Bad Bunny has a reputation for adventurous and subversive style.—
Oscar Holland,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judges in counties with the program have a list of OFR attorneys who can be contacted and paid through legislative appropriations, rather than through court funds.—
Raynee Howell,
Oklahoma Watch,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ninny regales Evelyn with tales of Idgi, her sister-in-law and friend who used to run the Whistle Stop Cafe, a restaurant on the outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama, that served good coffee, better barbecue, and great gossip.—
Amanda Favazza,
Southern Living,
6 Feb. 2026
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Ricky also visited Sydney a few weeks ago, and decided to regale us with all of his strangest koala facts.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At least one likely outcome would’ve been apparent, but pondering that likelihood wasn’t Pretti’s responsibility.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
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Its lessons are ones Republicans should ponder — and fast.—
Stephen Mihm,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
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The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If the opportunity to sell Romero arises in the summer, Spurs should seriously consider cutting their losses and reinvesting the money in a more reliable defender.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2026
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While that is the standard that would be considered in a civil case, local investigators are also looking into whether any state laws were violated.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The company expects to close a deal in the spring to sell 60% of its China business to Boyu Capital, while retaining a 40% stake.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
8 Feb. 2026
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The next year, he was appointed sheriff, but lost an election in 2016 to retain the position.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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