ENTERTAIN Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

entertain

verb

ˌen-tər-ˈtān

Definition of entertain next

as in to amuse

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to contemplate

to give serious and careful thought to have you ever entertained the thought that you could be wrong?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to have

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

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

Examples 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 During the holidays, people are more likely than at other times of the year to entertain family and friends at home. —

Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2024 Southern Kitchen After entertaining extended family and cooking a robust Thanksgiving dinner one short month before, Myles Moody says his mother kept the food simple on Christmas morning growing up. —

The Tennessean, 27 Dec. 2024 Why does Gi-hun even entertain The Recruiter’s proposal to play Russian Roulette to win the information The Recruiter has about the people behind the Squid Game? —

Jennifer Maas, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024 Image Near Campus Martius Park in Detroit, a member of the Detroit Circus wore a dreidel hat and entertained a crowd at a menorah lighting. —

Philip Pacheco, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain

Verb

The interaction sparked a wave of varied reactions online, leaving many shocked and others amused while some just wanted in on the joke.

Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025
But Denmark, Greenland and Panama don’t appear amused by the tactic.

Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 5 Jan. 2025