entertain

verb

ˌen-tər-ˈtān How to pronounce entertain (audio)
Definition of entertainnext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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

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 But the after-hours move suggests investors are willing to entertain the idea of ServiceNow as a winner of the agentic AI era, rather than a victim. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 23 July 2026 More than anything else, that team proved what a romantic optimist Keegan was, to dream of playing football like that in the second tier, and to be brave enough to deliver it, telling his players to go out and entertain the fans. — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026 Whereas nobody expected anything of my mother beyond keeping us alive, I was tasked to educate, enrich, and endlessly entertain. — Melissa Petro, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2026 Creators want a seamless way to make and disseminate their content while being able to make money; audiences want a bottomless feed of entertaining things to look at. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
  1. amuse
  2. contemplate
  3. have
  4. regale
  5. ponder
  6. hold
  7. consider
  8. retain
Verb
  • The refreshing sight of the women teaming up against Falstaff never fails to amuse.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Mandel appeared amused by the tribute, but the rest of the panel was considerably less enthusiastic.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • The original law contemplated broad governance obligations, including a duty of reasonable care, risk management programs, impact assessments, and reporting related to algorithmic discrimination.
    — Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Hebrew has been contemplated with some envy by campaigners in other societies.
    — Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • Three entry points Visitors have three choices to enter the Okefenokee — the east, west and north entrances, each with its own public amenities and natural qualities.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
  • Orlando had a chance to take the lead in the 37th minute but Katie Atkinson saved Marta's penalty shot after Haley McCutcheon drew a foul in the box on Chicago Aaliyah Farmer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Joe, a Geordie exiled to Yorkshire in search of work, regaled his son with stories of Jackie Milburn and the three FA Cup triumphs of the 1950s.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Our lively tour guide regaled us with stories of the residents who inhabited those streets, including merchant Mary King and George Rae, the plague doctor who tended to victims in 1645.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
Definition of regale
Verb
  • Whether Wesneski’s return will be enough to bolster one of baseball’s worst rotations is a question general manager Dana Brown must ponder across the next two weeks.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • First, ponder crowded housing, a signal of affordability stress, as the share of families living with other families.
    — Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 23 July 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • The winners will meet up in the November general election in a contest for the seat currently held by Charlie Franklin.
    — Nathan Pilling July 26, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • Temperatures in France and Spain show no sign of easing, holding steady on Sunday and expected to soar as high as 42 degrees Celsius (107 degrees Fahrenheit) next week, according to local meteorologists.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Called the Georgia Power 100, these players are chosen primarily on their high school production track record, though college potential is considered.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 20 July 2026
  • On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential.
    — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Some members and associates of the Seidler family are expected to retain at least a portion of their stakes in the Padres.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The extradition process requires a hearing before a US judge to determine whether the treaty’s requirements are met, but the final decision is made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who retains discretion to deny extradition.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Definition of retain

Browse Nearby Words

enters (into or upon)
entertain
entertained
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Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

Nglish: Translation of entertain for Spanish Speakers

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