Definition of entertainnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word entertain different from other verbs like it?

The words amuse and divert are common synonyms of entertain. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

When is it sensible to use amuse instead of entertain?

The words amuse and entertain are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When is divert a more appropriate choice than entertain?

The meanings of divert and entertain largely overlap; however, divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

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 entertain Guests will be entertained by DJ Bo Weezy and have access to a cash bar and raffles. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026 The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 17 June 2026 There’s [also] a great desire for socialization, so a lot of people are wanting to entertain again. Mary Holland, Architectural Digest, 16 June 2026 In the event a traveler has extra time, IAH offers a variety of amenities to entertain, including lounges from Air France, American Airlines, KLM, United, and a Centurion Lounge by American Express. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • As Nix rehabbed from his second surgery, while also enjoying his new role as a first-time father following the birth of his daughter Riley, he was amused by a fervor sprouting across social media or on radio talk shows about his operation and the recovery that followed.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • The process of arranging dinner amused and intimidated me.
    Matthew Kassel, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026
Verb
  • For most high schoolers, the summer between sophomore and junior years means looking ahead to the ACT and, reflecting on the halfway point, starting to more seriously contemplate what the future has in store.
    Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • The antitrust hurdle cleared by Paramount comes as state attorneys general in California, New York and almost a dozen other states are contemplating an antitrust suit to put the brakes on what would become a mega-studio.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • In fact, their entire relationship has an eerie, performative aura.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 15 June 2026
  • That was especially true the following game when the Golden Knights took a 4-0 lead into the third period and the Hurricanes seemed to have no answers.
    Mark Anderson, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
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
  • One morning earlier this week, Thomas Lupo, the president and CEO of the American Wood Column Corporation, was in his office regaling two young entrepreneurs with tales of his 110-year-old family business.
    Anne Kadet, Curbed, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • That’s in addition to problems like data drift, bias in training data, black swan events, and other things that the panelists touched on in pondering the challenges of instituting these systems in a highly regulated industry.
    John Werner, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026
  • And ponder permits for multifamily units, primarily housing in apartment complexes.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • But the improvement was not enough to erase the lead held by opponents, according to an analysis of vote updates monitored by The Bee over the past two weeks.
    Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
  • Journalists such as Ofusu believe global attitudes towards African football held Ghana back at a time when the national team were arguably at their best.
    Simon Hughes, New York Times, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly considering stepping down and could announce a timetable for his departure as early as Monday, according to a report published Saturday.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • Rigid gendered rules mean only those born to Parsi fathers are considered part of the community.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • That means the county can retain millions of dollars in property taxes, which the Resident Advisory Committee ensures transparency and accountability of.
    Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Republicans also have a shot at taking the governor’s office and retaining at least one legislative chamber.
    David A. Lieb, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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