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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 His sharp wit and enduring, unique presence continued to entertain and engage both long-time admirers and a new generation of wrestling fans. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 Wayfair’s Joss & Main Maddie Acacia Outdoor Coffee Table is a gem for anyone who entertains on their patio. Clint Davis, People.com, 10 May 2025 The 2022 negotiations serve as a reminder that Putin and Zelensky are capable of entertaining significant concessions. Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025 Sources also said the group has entertained informal offers from other groups for its furniture brands. Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • TikTok users were amused by the unconventional spoiler.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
  • Unlike all of the laughing wedding guests, Lorenzo wasn't amused.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • While in high school, Ham contemplated becoming a priest and would spend a weekend each month at a nearby seminary to discern his faith.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Tessa's contemplating a major move for her career while her estranged addict father forces his way back into her life.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Only seven qualified American League hitters have a lower one.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 May 2025
  • However, my hand has real diamond support, with even the club jack potentially pulling its weight, and my spades are poor.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • The group went to dinner after the workout, where both sides remember regaling stories of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant.
    Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
  • In 2019, Tom Hanks regaled Jimmy Kimmel Live with the story of how he was twice robbed as a 14-year-old vendor at Oakland A’s baseball games.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That could also come into play as Dungey and her team ponder more comedies on TBS and another tentpole drama for TNT.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 14 May 2025
  • While Malibu leaders ponder the future, the state of most of the septic systems along PCH remains a mystery.
    James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • The result is partial solutions that rarely hold under pressure.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 17 May 2025
  • Particularly in less densely populated parts of America, plenty of government officials and citizens still hold a grudge over the way businesses and schools were temporarily shut down.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • Dolton police did not respond to requests for information about the block but Trustee Belcher said the area was considered the rougher part of the village.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • It's been well over a decade since Aaliyah last scored a hit on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay tally, which is considered the most competitive radio ranking in those genres.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • While the physical manuscripts have returned to China and will go on view at the National Museum of China in July, the Smithsonian will retain digital versions of the documents for further research.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
  • Employers must retain personnel records and ADS data, including inputs, outputs, and data used to develop or customize the system, for at least four years.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

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