entertains

verb

present tense third-person singular of entertain
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of entertains What always entertains me so much about those types of conspiracies is that reality is just as crazy. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026 The Kings Dancers and Breakers will perform, while team mascot Slamson entertains the crowd. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026 Colorado has its own issues on and off the field, but every week, Sanders makes promises of one kind or another to fans or entertains or provides a memorable moment. — David Ubben, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Founded in 1961 and housed in a historic church, the theater entertains audiences in its 416-seat auditorium with musicals and plays produced by professionals from around the country. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026 Emma Woodhouse entertains herself by meddling in the romantic affairs of her neighbors. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 Steel Pier still entertains families, and the wooden walkway remains a tradition for many families. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Now 94, Cynthia still entertains with tales of bygone Barbados at the family's regular guest cocktail parties, whilst dinner is underscored by jazz singers and instrumentalists. — Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026 Fans can enjoy a selection of food favorites like hot dogs, pizza, pierogi, burgers, warm pretzels and popcorn in addition to full-service bars in the stands, while mascot Rusty the Railcat entertains all ages. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertains
  1. amuses
  2. contemplates
  3. has
  4. regales
  5. ponders
  6. holds
  7. considers
  8. retains
Verb
  • According to the inner circle, the mythology is something that amuses Vernon more than anything else.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
  • And Griffin Hanson amuses in several small roles.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026
Definition of amuses
Verb
  • Given the enormous threat AI poses to millions of jobs, the governor’s framework thoughtfully contemplates how to center Maryland workers in regulation of this technology.
    — Matt Post, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Neither yet contemplates an agent that delegates to another agent at four in the morning.
    — Dr. Aditya Vikram Kashyap, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of contemplates
Verb
  • Chinander said his staff has been studying film of Moore’s time as OC at Missouri in 2025, while Danielson also has notes from facing Moore during the latter’s time as OC with Fresno State in 2022.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, more than nine in 10 Americans say the federal government has the power to make a positive impact on society — suggesting many believe the current administration is not making use of that power.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of has
Verb
  • Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
  • Aboard the boat, Terry regales his passengers with tales of the river, from namesake Twain to tragic Lovers' Leap just downstream of Hannibal.
    — Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 31 May 2026
Definition of regales
Verb
  • As is often the case in both real life and the movies, this modern millennial lady ponders this very question all the time.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 Sep. 2026
  • Nacua, who expects to play against the 49ers as the NFL ponders a potential suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, returned to practice last week.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of ponders
Verb
  • The smaller second bedroom holds the in-unit washer-dryer as well as an en suite bath.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 19 Oct. 2026
  • As chair of Metro’s 13-person board, Bass holds vast power over the Los Angeles County bus and rail network.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of holds
Verb
  • Is there any point at which Baier considers whether someone like Hemingway should continue to be on air?
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 16 Oct. 2026
  • That's because while the IRS generally considers a return filed on the day it is postmarked, most states require mail-in ballots to arrive by Election Day, regardless of when they were mailed or postmarked.
    — Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of considers
Verb
  • The latest unit retains the same first six forward ratios as the outgoing Carrera T’s manual transmission, but ditches its predecessor’s somewhat awkward and largely superfluous seventh gear.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Lerner retains her credit as executive proucer alongside Helford; Curtis; Eric and Kim Tannenbaum and Jason Wang for the Tannenbaum Company; Scott Schwartz; and Lionsgate Television.
    — Selome Hailu, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of retains

Browse Nearby Words

entertainments
entertains
enthrall
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Cite this Entry

“Entertains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertains. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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