1
as in to amuse
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner
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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
The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays.
—
Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, blending seamlessly into a sunlit family and sitting room — perfect for everything from lingering over Sunday brunch to lavish summer entertaining.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Chattanooga, Tennessee Equal parts city escape and nature retreat, Chattanooga offers tons of activities to keep your group entertained, plus great food and plenty of art.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Rahill has an endless supply of stories to entertain his passengers, from dicey black bear encounters to scraping mites off his hand with a knife after handling an armadillo.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, blending seamlessly into a sunlit family and sitting room — perfect for everything from lingering over Sunday brunch to lavish summer entertaining.
—Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Chattanooga, Tennessee Equal parts city escape and nature retreat, Chattanooga offers tons of activities to keep your group entertained, plus great food and plenty of art.
—Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Rahill has an endless supply of stories to entertain his passengers, from dicey black bear encounters to scraping mites off his hand with a knife after handling an armadillo.
—Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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Since going viral, Joyce said the responses have been overwhelmingly positive and many people were amused by his Australian accent.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Apr. 2025
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Anybody else amused that Knight was trying to sell the engagement from her fake wedding to Torres?—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To see why, contemplate a recent Wall Street Journal headline concerning Meta.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
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Google had contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at trial.—
Jody Godoy,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The play-in tournament means you are certified to have had a mediocre season, like Miami’s 37-45.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
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Seven additional people involved in the collision had minor injuries.—
Amy McDaniel,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The president took them through the residence, showing off the Lincoln Bedroom and the Yellow Oval Room while regaling the group with historical facts, and finished the jaunt in the Oval Office.—
Reid J. Epstein,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
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There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.—
Jessica Ourisman,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
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Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.—
Johnny Loftus,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At the lowest income levels, only about 13% of households held retirement accounts in 2022, according to the federal Survey of Consumer Finances.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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Democrats currently hold a slim 51 to 49 majority in the state’s House of Delegates, giving way for a competitive race for the majority in November.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
22 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Everton’s new owners, The Friedkin Group (TFG), has been impressed with performances since its takeover in December and getting a new deal for Sorensen over the line was considered part of the next step in the women’s team’s new era under its ownership.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Current borrowers should retain access to IBR, depending on legislative outcomes.—
Robert Farrington,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Even nestled into a tortilla with hot eggs, cheese and steam, the potatoes retain their crunch on the drive home.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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