as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment
a list of entertaining things to do on a snow day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in regaling
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in debating
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 having
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 entertaining
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
The shutdown continues, but somehow the news cycle rolls on, kicking up moderately entertaining quiz questions like so much dust.
—Holly J. Morris, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Sid Evans, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
In another vignette, Swift is part of a Supremes-like girl group entertaining a speakeasy full of jovial patrons.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Adjective
But Chernus talks at us with the condescending zeal of a true music-lover, and his cheeky tirades about the history of jazz — and why Jarrett’s gift for improvisation is unique even in the context of such a freeform genre — are entertaining and educational in equal measure.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 Oct. 2025
The shutdown continues, but somehow the news cycle rolls on, kicking up moderately entertaining quiz questions like so much dust.
—Holly J. Morris, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
With over 100 recipes, it’s filled with colorful stories, gorgeous photographs, and Ivy’s uniquely Southern ideas for entertaining.
—Sid Evans, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
In another vignette, Swift is part of a Supremes-like girl group entertaining a speakeasy full of jovial patrons.
—Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertaining
Adjective
-
Judging by the amusing premiere episode, there is some potential to the motley crew of this government service.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
11 Oct. 2025
-
The other twist is that Noelle is addicted to a podcast (performed by Adwa Alasiri) that dishes out both true crime stories and helpful makeup tips, an amusing combination of gloss and gore.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
But his film career began in earnest with 2020's Scare Me, a stylish comedy about writers regaling each story with spooky tales in an isolated cabin during a power outage.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Barry Humphries, a longtime friend of Birley’s, did his Dame Edna schtick on both nights, regaling the audience with tales of a love affair with his pal.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Qerim won a lot of respect, including from ESPN staffers, with her knack for calmly reining in Smith and the voluble personalities debating him.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Kirk, who would have turned 32 on Tuesday, was assassinated at Utah Valley University while debating college students.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
There is a specific kind of yearning involved in having a crush, one that feels intense, yet is for the most part harmless fun; still, as people grow older the frequency of such infatuations often decreases.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Fans will know instantly that this child grows up to be renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, and Linklater leans into that, having the pre-teenage Sondheim criticize Hart's writing.—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
There are seven fun colors to choose from, including bright orange, black and a dark bronze for those who prefer neutral colors.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
-
This is a fun feature that Chiefs fans will like.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Forest owner has been pondering his options That is not unusual — the Greek shipping magnate always likes to have a plan B in place.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
That’s 16 days of public silence and private plotting — 16 days of preparing for a case management conference and pondering motions and strategizing for the discovery process and delving into every facet of this year-long case that has no end in sight.—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
One of his innovations in the new space is Fresh Out of the Box, a shelf holding books that are newly unboxed without anyone knowing the contents.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
20 Oct. 2025
-
In a struggle that eventually leads to Jayson holding Maeve hostage outside, Grasso musters strength and shoots Jayson in the head, in a small act of vengeance for Lizzie.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Join us for an enjoyable hour with one of our favorite guys.—
Space.com Staff,
Space.com,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Our priority is to ensure that all in attendance have a safe and enjoyable experience at the ballpark.—
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertaining. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share