as in amusing
providing amusement or enjoyment
a list of entertaining things to do on a snow day
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in regaling
to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied
entertain the kids while I go and prepare dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in debating
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 having
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
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 entertaining
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025
To make things even more entertaining, John Malkovich pops up as what seems, briefly, to be the voice of reason.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Someone might have written on the wall with charcoal or even carved into the stone with a sharp object as a way of entertaining themselves.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Adjective
Few would be able to juggle genres and navigate shifts in tone as fluidly as Jensen does; on paper, none of it should work, but the film is consistently entertaining, weird and ultimately touching.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 Sep. 2025
To make things even more entertaining, John Malkovich pops up as what seems, briefly, to be the voice of reason.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
With so much roasting, baking, and entertaining ahead, a fresh oven ensures your meals taste their best and your kitchen smells inviting—not smoky or burnt.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 12 Sep. 2025
Someone might have written on the wall with charcoal or even carved into the stone with a sharp object as a way of entertaining themselves.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertaining
Adjective
-
Hacking a pre-Internet console Making this amusing amalgam of past and present technology possible required some clever engineering.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
-
DeMarco was also entetaining with his amusing banter in between songs while encouraging his New York fans to clap and wave their arms.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The 21-time PGA Tour winner engaged a small group on a practice green, going over technique, drills and flatstick psychology while also regaling them with stories about golf greats—like how keeping an eye on the hole helped Beth Daniel transform her putting game.—
Mike Dojc,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
-
On the way back to her workstation after the 0830 all clear, Masako indulged this innocent conceit by regaling some of her Kenjo coworkers with a claim about her father’s apparently magical ability to protect himself and his family from American bombs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Even the assassination of political figures is not the same thing as just being shot in the throat for the crime of debating issues in the public square.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
13 Sep. 2025
-
If your current TikTok feed is full of Gen-Z and millennial users debating short nails verses long-almond nail shape nails, rest assured that burgundy nails work with either camp.—
Jamie Wilson,
Glamour,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Devers, who is starting at first on Saturday, has fared well at first base despite having no experience at the position prior to this season.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Despite having a reputation for being at the cutting-edge of technological trends, cash is king in Japan.—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
There are so many fun home decor in Pottery Barn’s clearance section for less than $50, including candle holders, faux plants, and even (some) bedding.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
-
That's a really fun show to work on.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Revival Act has left some pondering what the endgame looks like for Zuffa.—
Sarah Shephard,
New York Times,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Turns out Stephano was pondering beltmaking too, leading the two to partner on a new business venture creating small-batch leather pieces and metal accessories.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
For every person holding the statue, there are four or five who came close and didn’t.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The extra point was good but there was a holding penalty on the Rebels.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
His commercials have graced Southwest Ohio TVs over the last two decades and inspired Reddit posts, Halloween costumes and even a surprisingly enjoyable lo-fi musical remix on YouTube.—
Otto Rabe,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
11 Sep. 2025
-
The best and most enjoyable habit to maintain a healthy, thriving garden is a daily garden walk.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Entertaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertaining. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share