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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 For keeping entertained, Shard Place renters have access to 12,000 square feet of luxury amenities across three stories. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2025 The Rays didn’t respond to questions related to selling the team, or to entertaining any meetings with the group from Orlando. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2025 Before the speeches, several Vietnamese groups entertained the audience with traditional dances and singing. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025 Show co-creator Neil Druckmann — who co-created and wrote The Last of Us games — told TheWrap that the changes are to keep fans of both mediums entertained. Jessica Sager, People.com, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • Since going viral, Joyce said the responses have been overwhelmingly positive and many people were amused by his Australian accent.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Anybody else amused that Knight was trying to sell the engagement from her fake wedding to Torres?
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Google had contemplated deals with Android phone makers such as Samsung that would provide exclusivity for not only its search app, but also for its Gemini AI app and Chrome browser, according to a document shown at trial.
    Jody Godoy, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • To see why, contemplate a recent Wall Street Journal headline concerning Meta.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The movie set, like all others, should have only had blanks on hand, but somehow a number of live rounds made their way to the location and one such bullet ended up in the gun that went off as Hutchins and Baldwin lined up a shot in an old church.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • Elsewhere, Colorado does have strict policies in place for its athletics Hall of Fame.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The president took them through the residence, showing off the Lincoln Bedroom and the Yellow Oval Room while regaling the group with historical facts, and finished the jaunt in the Oval Office.
    Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Asking this question encourages employees to pause and ponder.
    Rachel Pacheco, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • Gibson ponders Indigeneity, belonging, modern music and a more equitable future across the exhibit’s paintings, sculptures, flags and video installation.
    Alia Yee Noll, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Heiss’s bed would be a platform floating in a room, with no clutter around it; the only other objects would be a curved lamp and a cabinet to hold Heiss’s linen shirts and trousers.
    Lillian Fishman, New Yorker, 4 May 2025
  • However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • According to the air quality index, anything over 100 for pollutants and fine particulates in the air is considered unhealthy, especially for people who are sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants, including children and adults with pre-existing respiratory problems.
    Jon Haworth, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Media reports suggest Rubio skipped the talks over Ukraine's refusal to consider the U.S. proposal on Crimea.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Current borrowers should retain access to IBR, depending on legislative outcomes.
    Robert Farrington, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • McCourt is untroubled by the reports of tensions between De Zerbi and his players and retains full confidence in Longoria’s ability to run the club.
    Tom Williams, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

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