ENTERTAIN Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

entertain

verb

ˌen-tər-ˈtān

Definition of entertain next

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

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

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

Examples 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 The holiday season is also entertaining season, which usually means your ice maker will be working double duty. —

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 7 Dec. 2024 TikTok users who go to the platform to find connection, get entertained, seek information and earn a living. —

Clare Duffy, CNN, 7 Dec. 2024 Because Kennedy would oversee the agency, Marty Makary, Trump’s pick for FDA commissioner, would have to at least entertain that request, but even so, the agency would likely need years to pull any ingredient off shelves. —

Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 3 Dec. 2024 College football fans are engaged and entertained during the biggest rivalry week of the year as teams push for the new 12-team playoff, conference titles and bowl games. —

Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain

Verb

The show isn't satiric so much as amused by the absurd lengths to which the Kaylas of our society will go in pursuit of self-definition.

Tom Gliatto, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
Wine Convo Generator: Mix and Match Witty Phrases to Sound like a Sommelier By Chasity Cooper Chasity Cooper’s Wine Convo Generator is a playful and interactive guide perfect for wine lovers who want to impress or simply amuse at their next tasting.

Jessica Dupuy, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024