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
What To Know Epstein was known to entertain famous people on his island, Little St. James, in the U.S Virgin Islands.
—
David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Estimates suggest that more than 40% of workers are entertaining the possibility of a job switch, while another 20% have recently quit their jobs.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Harvard Business Review, 25 Feb. 2025
The People’s Open The WM Green Scene was a hugely popular area for on-course public engagement offering fun, interactive family-friendly activities that educate and entertain.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The Last Showgirl: Plot, Cast, Run Time Directed by Gia Coppola (Mainstream, Palo Alto), The Last Showgirl follows Shelly Gardner (Pamela Anderson), a long-serving showgirl who has to abruptly plan for her future after her show comes to a close after 30 years of entertaining tourists in Las Vegas.
—Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Estimates suggest that more than 40% of workers are entertaining the possibility of a job switch, while another 20% have recently quit their jobs.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Harvard Business Review, 25 Feb. 2025
The People’s Open The WM Green Scene was a hugely popular area for on-course public engagement offering fun, interactive family-friendly activities that educate and entertain.
—Candace Oehler, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
The Last Showgirl: Plot, Cast, Run Time Directed by Gia Coppola (Mainstream, Palo Alto), The Last Showgirl follows Shelly Gardner (Pamela Anderson), a long-serving showgirl who has to abruptly plan for her future after her show comes to a close after 30 years of entertaining tourists in Las Vegas.
—Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
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While many were amused by the viral father-son outing, the child’s mother made her disapproval known.—
Karu F. Daniels,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2025
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Gotham-mayhem pics still jolt while Hollywood-glam pics merely amuse.—
Brian T. Allen,
National Review,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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With America out of the picture, Europe is beginning to contemplate moves that would have been unimaginable mere months ago.—
Russel Honoré,
Newsweek,
5 Mar. 2025
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Such theoretical impairments would be concerning in any context—but especially when contemplating a person who has achieved enough power to be unironically described as co-president of the United States.—
Shayla Love,
The Atlantic,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Peppa Pig will have a brand new piglet to play with come the summer, with news that the beloved character is to welcome a new sibling to the family.—
Caroline Frost,
Deadline,
1 Mar. 2025
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The music, name and likeness of Notorious B.I.G. will soon have a new home as the late rapper’s estate is close to signing a deal with Primary Wave, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.—
Shirley Halperin for The Hollywood Reporter,
Robb Report,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
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An assortment of eccentric competitors and characters regale us with tips and their nervy inspiration at the Moosehead Regional Finals.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
7 Mar. 2025
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Maurice’s new-look Cats, regaling in the trade that brought Tkachuk in exchange for Jonathan Huberdeau, reached the club’s first Stanley Cup Final since 1996 in his first before losing.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Amid this dark, silent space, the siblings survived on rice balls and pondered what had just happened to their serene home.—
Ronan O'Connell,
Smithsonian Magazine,
27 Feb. 2025
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The Kaan isn’t even the first fifth-generation fighter project the Emirates has purportedly pondered joining.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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With Republicans holding slim majorities in the House and Senate, Trump framed the speech as an opportunity to rally his party behind his policies, even as tensions simmered within GOP ranks over recent moves on trade and foreign aid.—
Nik Popli,
TIME,
5 Mar. 2025
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Democrats lodged protests throughout the evening, with one member getting kicked out and others holding signs in silent opposition.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The multi-year security Marchand wanted beyond this season, then, was too much for Sweeney to assume considering the risk of injuries and decline.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
The Athletic,
8 Mar. 2025
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If your name is already taken, consider adding your industry or credentials (e.g., linkedin.com/in/johndoeconsulting).—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The filing stated that almost 5,800 USAID awards for future work, and approximately 4,100 distributed through the State Department, will be terminated, while around 500 USAID awards and roughly 2,700 State Department awards will be retained.—
MaryAlice Parks,
ABC News,
28 Feb. 2025
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That contest went the 12-round distance, with Herring retaining his belt.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to entertain
Cite this Entry
“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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