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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 Because Flavor Flav is always entertaining everybody weekly. Lauren Huff, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025 Lamb Chop, the puppet who has entertained people for generations, is returning to the spotlight with an important message. Kelli Bender, People.com, 12 Mar. 2025 All is said with an air toward entertaining us, but something else hovers over the interaction. Devan Díaz, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025 And one of my good friends always brings this Eric Carle sound book to entertain her toddler in the car. Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • Pictured below, Italian fashion editor and writer and sharp dresser Anna Della Russo took the all-black memo in a different, more officers’ mess-jacket/killer-matador direction that, though witty, doesn’t seem to have been done to amuse anybody.
    Guy Martin, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
  • After asking him to repeat his request, Scott, amused but also now genuinely curious, inquired as to why, exactly, Thomas wanted one gigantic truck tire.
    Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • State officials in Texas and elsewhere are contemplating their own legislation on the issue.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Ukraine’s allies in Europe are contemplating stepping up their financial aid in the wake of statements by U.S. President Donald Trump that Europe must take care of its own security.
    DAVID McHUGH, TIME, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Goodman has a nervy start, with an errant pass out of play.
    Matt Woosnam, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff's office has no jurisdiction over the case but sent detectives to the island to assist local investigators.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Brody worked the room like an architect with a plan, getting animated in a discussion with Board of Governors member Rita Wilson and then regaling SAG Award orator Jane Fonda at the bar.
    Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025
  • One hundred years from now — if artificial intelligence hasn’t put journalists out of work — a future writer might regale us with the story of the next Cecile Steele.
    Kenny Torrella, Vox, 9 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Many Americans have taken to social media to ponder what a democratic country looks like without a federal agency at the helm of education.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Lim has obviously pondered this cosmic music at length.
    Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Each fixture looks like a big gray Lego block, with a round socket holding a bulb the size of an ostrich egg encased in a thick glass globe, like a gumball machine.
    Diego Lasarte, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025
  • His divorce from ex-wife Anna Faris was not without drama, and he has been accused of belonging to a church that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • That is why seeing consensus first-round pick Omarion Hampton, widely considered the second-best running back in this year's class behind Ashton Jeanty, ranked as the seventh-best running back in the draft is a bit jarring.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But their final decision did not come without first considering the consequences.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Art Deco influences like the curvature inside have been retained, while otherwise the house has been updated with modern, colorful touches and appliances.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 12 Mar. 2025
  • San Francisco-based Niantic will retain its technology and spin it into a new company called Niantic Spatial Inc., according to a release on its website, which will help machines learn to interact with the real world using artificial intelligence.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

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