entertain
verb (used with object)
to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
entertained
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past participleof entertain.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof entertain.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
entertainverb (used with object)to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably; divert; amuse.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The updated policy does not explicitly cite so-called "model welfare," the idea that AI systems might deserve types of protection usually reserved for living things, but Anthropic and its executives have openly entertained the concept.
From Barron's ● Oct. 8, 2026
There, he entertained the great and the good with legendary parties, serving with champagne and shepherd's pies.
From BBC ● Oct. 5, 2026
“The sheer volume of information captured is not something that is entertained, in my view, by the Fourth Amendment,” said Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville.
From Salon ● Sep. 6, 2026
Proof, if any were needed, that people prefer to be entertained rather than preached to.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
Understanding why he entertained such hyperbolic thoughts is the key to the core meaning of the duel.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
