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

Relevance

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

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 Give them the time and space to figure out how to entertain themselves. —

Chi Varnado, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 The better choice is to entertain yourself with sports or social outings. —

Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 4 Feb. 2025 In addition to keeping us all entertained, women artists also had a huge night of Grammys 2025 wins. —

Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025 With a wide range of entertaining productions to choose from, theater audiences are having a grand time on Broadway these days. —

Franz Martin, New York Daily News, 31 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for entertain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain

Verb

For $175 per person, the upscale eatery is offering a four-course meal, a caviar amuse bouche and a bottle of champagne per couple.

— Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 10 Feb. 2025
Unlike so much contemporary poetry, his poems would seem to welcome you in, with an easy cadence and familiar references that seem to amuse.

— Corey Seymour, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025