1
as in amuses
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 contemplates
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 has
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 entertains
With or without a bird’s nest in the nearby passion fruit vine, the outdoor living room, where Garner entertains friends in the evening by the fire, is a dreamlike oasis for curling up next to the space heaters with a cozy blanket.
—
Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
Tellingly, when thinking about Erika on his own, Elliot entertains more traditional desires, like getting married and starting a family.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag entertains your restaurant questions, rants and raves.
—Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026
At his core, not much has changed for Heagerty, who now entertains people through his stand-up comedy, online comedy videos and work as an actor.
—Colleen Bidwill, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
The episode delivers the cozy, inviting format fans love, giving viewers a closer look at how the Duchess of Sussex gets creative for the holidays, entertains, and cooks (not to mention what's in her winter wardrobe).
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
On nights when Nova’s feeling sleepy, Poppy happily entertains herself with her mountain of toys — or by spinning in happy circles to reclaim that elusive tail.
—Evan Moore
november 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025
The high-energy American Twitch streamer entertains fans through interactive games, commentary and interviews with celebrity guests.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
The media entertains these questions, in an effort to intellectualize the ideologies underpinning the cult’s bloodlust.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026
Tellingly, when thinking about Erika on his own, Elliot entertains more traditional desires, like getting married and starting a family.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026
Washington Post food critic Elazar Sontag entertains your restaurant questions, rants and raves.
—Elazar Sontag, Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2026
At his core, not much has changed for Heagerty, who now entertains people through his stand-up comedy, online comedy videos and work as an actor.
—Colleen Bidwill, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026
The episode delivers the cozy, inviting format fans love, giving viewers a closer look at how the Duchess of Sussex gets creative for the holidays, entertains, and cooks (not to mention what's in her winter wardrobe).
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
On nights when Nova’s feeling sleepy, Poppy happily entertains herself with her mountain of toys — or by spinning in happy circles to reclaim that elusive tail.
—Evan Moore
november 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2025
The high-energy American Twitch streamer entertains fans through interactive games, commentary and interviews with celebrity guests.
—Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
The media entertains these questions, in an effort to intellectualize the ideologies underpinning the cult’s bloodlust.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertains
Verb
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In December, the two sat down in Exactly Right’s Burbank headquarters — a setting that still amuses them both.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Zoë has been Artemis' right-hand warrior for more than 2,000 years, giving her a more serious nature that amuses modern demigods.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As the Colorado General Assembly contemplates legislation concerning AI, legislators need to tread cautiously.—
Krista Kafer,
Denver Post,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Heeseung contemplates the question, before answering.—
Jae-Ha Kim,
Rolling Stone,
19 Jan. 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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Our running live blog has a good summary of the affair, including celebrity endorsements and reflections on the performance.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
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
Verb
-
Expect a meditative film that ponders big issues with a poet-like touch.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
20 Jan. 2026
-
While Raspadori ponders whether to accept Roma’s offer and leave Atletico just six months after his move to Spain from Napoli, Gasperini has to make do-and-mend.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Malinin holds just more than a five-point lead over his biggest rival, Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama, with scores from both the short program and free skate added together to determine a winner.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
13 Feb. 2026
-
According to chief customer officer Brie Carere, FedEx currently holds a 12 percent share in the $22 billion premium air freight market.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Chiefs’ personnel department considers the long view, which is where assistant general manager Chris Shea factors in, working closely with Veach on long-term roster management.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The firm considers homes affordable when a typical buyer can purchase a house for less than one-third of their income.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to the American Craft Spirits Association, American craft distilleries rose from 150 to 200 in 2010 to over 3,000 by 2023, and while that number has begun to level off over the past year, the craft whiskey industry retains its strong presence.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The potential inclusions of right-hander Alexis Díaz (a former All-Star closer who still retains minor league options) and left-hander Jacob Latz (who will compete for the fifth starter job) could erase opportunities for others.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertains. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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