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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 Putin has rejected calls for an immediate ceasefire and refused to entertain concessions as part of a peace deal with Ukraine. Joey Garrison, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025 The media entertains these questions, in an effort to intellectualize the ideologies underpinning the cult’s bloodlust. Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025 One of the best and most simple ways to both entertain and educate your child in the car, however, is just to listen to music with them. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 20 Oct. 2025 The final half-hour did not make for entertaining viewing, but United’s compact 5-4-1 had just enough to deal with the majority of Liverpool’s siege-like attempts. Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • Her husband seemed amused by her confusion.
    Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The October 19 post has received numerous comments, with viewers amused by the golden retriever’s dramatic response.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Louise Hémon The jury would also like to acknowledge a director whose film transported us into an extreme landscape, and created an unsettling atmosphere that kept us contemplating the nature of lust, education, and violence.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Deacon clatters off in his truck, leaving me to contemplate my new home.
    Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Players can also add the Double Play for an additional $1 to have a second chance at winning $10 million.
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 23 Oct. 2025
  • That means more than one of every eight of Kroger's 103 stores in its Cincinnati-Dayton division (which includes Northern Kentucky) have the digital devices so far.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • His father, a veteran of World War II, was a burial vault salesman and would often take Fitzpatrick with him on business trips, regaling him with tales of the city.
    News Desk, Artforum, 23 Oct. 2025
  • But his film career began in earnest with 2020's Scare Me, a stylish comedy about writers regaling each story with spooky tales in an isolated cabin during a power outage.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Gavin Newsom is pondering a White House run.
    Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Martinez notes that the mind-bending plot has given audiences a cinematic experience to truly ponder.
    William Earl, Variety, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Slot’s side fell behind to Rasmus Kristensen’s strike but held their nerve and took complete control with 14 shots on target compared to just one.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the marble mausoleums on this 14-acre spot are held by Argentina’s elite, some famous, others infamous—think past presidents, Nobel Prize winners, and military commanders.
    Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Travelers to Europe should consider a phone crossbody purse instead, like this compact but spacious one from Amazon.
    Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The design challenge is to maintain console-grade responsiveness while retaining flexibility, likely through a dedicated TV shell and systems that manage background apps and drivers.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Sarah retained her Duchess of York title following her divorce.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

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