entertainment

noun

ˌen-tər-ˈtān-mənt How to pronounce entertainment (audio)
Definition of entertainmentnext
1
as in amusement
the act or activity of providing pleasure or amusement especially for the public we didn't stay for the featured entertainment because we don't care for comedy acts the film is purely for entertainment and not meant to be taken seriously

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in recreation
someone or something that provides amusement or enjoyment what do you do for entertainment in this town?

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 entertainment Embracing vertical video is one thing but the bigger story is that established entertainment companies are experimenting with new ways to engage their audiences and, ultimately, to monetize them. — Scott Schiller, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026 Since its founding in 2023, Unwell has expanded into a media and entertainment company focused on Gen Z women. — Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026 The drama became national entertainment, right up until October 26, when Last Ditch announced its soft closure. — Tara Knight, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026 Music, and more The panelists also discussed South Korea’s rise to become an entertainment powerhouse, debating which parts of the country’s playbook could be applicable to Southeast Asia. — Angelica Ang, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertainment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertainment
  1. amusement
  2. recreation
  3. enjoyment
  4. diversion
  5. production
  6. fun
  7. delight
  8. pleasure
Noun
  • Stewart concluded by joking that his final act of objetophilia had taken place in the very theater where the gala was being held, much to the audience’s dismay and amusement.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Family members of patients and others with ties to Eloise have argued against offering for-profit amusement at a site where vulnerable people suffered.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of amusement
Noun
  • Dubai wants to be a ‘20-minute city,’ where every resident can reach work, shops, and recreation within a short cycle or walk.
    — Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The parks and recreation department used the building from the mid-1990s until 2002, when the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin opened.
    — Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of recreation
Noun
  • The six categories that allow a lawsuit Under the limitation option, a person can sue for noneconomic damages, which include pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, only if the injury falls into one of six categories.
    — Reputio, New York Daily News, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The movie-logging platform has helped reshape the world’s repertory film scene — effectively gamifying the enjoyment of archival art — while debates about the Times often wind their way back to the paper’s coverage of Palestine and trans rights.
    — J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of enjoyment
Noun
  • Court records show he is scheduled to return to court on Thursday for consideration of a mental health diversion motion.
    — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Soto, who was born in Costa Rica and now lives in Sugarland, a Houston suburb, ended the case with a plea agreement and pre-trial diversion.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of diversion
Noun
  • Many songs here invert the notion of a ghost in the machine; Shy assumes the role of the femmebot on the fritz, while the productions—overseen by Karma Kid and Casey MQ—are like the contents of a fertile petri dish.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 11 Nov. 2026
  • In 2024, Ferrara closed the North Chicago Jelly Belly factory and moved all production to a Fairfield, California, plant.
    — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of production
Noun
  • For another fun twist on ice-queen glam, take a cue from Zara Larsson and pile on the shimmery silver-white shadow accented with rhinestones in lieu of snowflakes, or perhaps a fresh platinum blonde hair color à la Serena Williams.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Nov. 2026
  • But even the hardest-to-please folks are usually thrilled with a techy gift that makes their life easier, more convenient or just more fun.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of fun
Noun
  • Regardless, the movie’s litany of fantastical demons, and its anthropomorphic animal heroes, remain an audiovisual delight.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 9 Nov. 2026
  • But boy, does the audience shiver with delight watching Ghidorah stomp buildings to rubble while the sound design rattles our seats.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of delight
Noun
  • Read something for pleasure, sit somewhere quiet, or take a walk without an errand attached.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Lately new, design-centric hotels and a growing slate of destination restaurants are joining the enduring pleasures to create an era of vibrancy for all travelers to enjoy.
    — Sarah Khan, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of pleasure

Browse Nearby Words

entertaining
entertainment
entertainments
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Cite this Entry

“Entertainment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertainment. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on entertainment

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about entertainment

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