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 considering
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
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
All of that might sound a little dense, but McKenzie’s fast and informative account of his deep dive into a blurry subject turns out to be one of the most entertaining, and yes, enlightening documentaries of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Due to its design, fluted (or ribbed) drinkware is perfect for entertaining and looks beautiful on any table.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Adjective
This quick and easy appetizer, with just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, will make entertaining easy without the hassle of fussing over the oven all day and night.
—Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
All of that might sound a little dense, but McKenzie’s fast and informative account of his deep dive into a blurry subject turns out to be one of the most entertaining, and yes, enlightening documentaries of the year.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
Or the assumption that such is friends’ motivation for entertaining.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Due to its design, fluted (or ribbed) drinkware is perfect for entertaining and looks beautiful on any table.
—Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertaining
Adjective
-
Heck, even co-creator Ed Boon pops up for a reasonably amusing cameo as a bartender.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
6 May 2026
-
Smith’s involvement, though, is a bit more amusing.—
Devon Ivie,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Tony drove us around one afternoon, regaling us with stories about Fogo’s history.—
Akash Kapur,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Robbie is at her finest when regaling Charli XCX or Jessie Ware and her mom about her clubbing days.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The court is considering an appeal of a lower-court judge’s ruling that the amendment is invalid because lawmakers violated procedural requirements.—
Eric Tucker,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
-
California lawmakers are considering a bill that would ensure insurance companies cover the cost of scalp cooling technology for cancer patients.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Turner lore suggested the college student was expelled from the Ivy League school for having a female student in his dormitory room.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
-
Jaxon’s father, Albert Juarez, acknowledged having serious health problems himself and a list of prescription painkillers.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
The curious Moon squares expansive Jupiter, pulling you between what feels fun and what makes sense financially.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 Apr. 2026
-
And the Lions should be fun to watch and competitive as long as Dan Campbell is still their head coach.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But debating such topics is the lifeblood of the draft, which manufactures would-be experts for the kind of second-guessing that helps fuel rampant and often inaccurate speculation.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
-
While Shug’s Bagels owner and founder Justin Shugrue is originally from New York, don't waste your time debating whether or not Shug's makes New York-style bagels.—
Nathanael Gassett,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Besides holding the other candidates hostage in his attic until after the election, there’s probably nothing that could help him.—
Matt Fleming,
Oc Register,
1 May 2026
-
The offenders then allegedly demanded access to a safe, a computer and accounts holding cryptocurrency.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Adjective
-
The first two days of the game were really enjoyable, Williams said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
2 May 2026
-
In a statement provided to The Star, a representative for the Country Club Plaza said the organization was focused on providing a safe and enjoyable experience in the area, particularly for the World Cup festivities this summer.—
Dylan Lysen
May 1,
Kansas City Star,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertaining. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
