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
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
The sprawling mountain-view grounds, centered on a spacious graveled courtyard ideal for entertaining, host an infinity pool and spa, a bocce court, and a 220-tree Italian olive grove.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026
Gleicher found Anja entertaining a table of cast and crew members, which included one of his patients.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Adjective
Johannesen added that Americans’ love of cooking, honed during the pandemic, has merged into this moment of at-home entertaining.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
The sprawling mountain-view grounds, centered on a spacious graveled courtyard ideal for entertaining, host an infinity pool and spa, a bocce court, and a 220-tree Italian olive grove.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
Creating an enviable lounge area—where summer reads can be enjoyed, cocktails can be sipped, and entertaining the whole neighborhood can take place—will be a gamechanger for your summer plans.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2026
Gleicher found Anja entertaining a table of cast and crew members, which included one of his patients.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for entertaining
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertaining
Adjective
-
The surviving Cheetos, while amusing to viewers, stand as an odd visual amid an otherwise devastating event.—
Claire Dodds,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Apr. 2026
-
To some on Capitol Hill, the freewheeling is more frustrating than amusing.—
Steven Sloan,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
His father, a veteran of World War II, was a burial vault salesman and would often take Fitzpatrick with him on business trips, regaling him with tales of the city.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
No mean feat, considering the brand’s first 24 hotels are set in remote, leafy locations that feel worlds away from real life.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Here’s why, plus a look at other states considering the move.—
Kristin Scharkey,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Videos on the Instagram page for the restaurant show a packed establishment late at night with young people having fun and drinking, with a long line outside.—
Jesse Sarles,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Azimi said having Pahlavi as the head of Iran would bring democracy back to the country and end the humanitarian crisis there.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Upstairs, Riva Terrace is a super-fun warm-weather spot for Italian small plates and progressive cocktails like First Light (a pineapple-run creation infused with ginger and ginseng) overlooking the outdoor pool and the office buildings of downtown.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Cheering on your favorite sports team while watching games from the couch is fun.—
Catherine Garcia,
TheWeek,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of debating calls for hours, fans get a clear answer almost instantly.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Congress would be debating mandatory water wings for airborne pups.—
Pat Beall,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Iran's players sing the national anthem, holding school bags symbolizing children killed at a school in Minab, before a soccer match between Iran and Nigeria, in Antalya, Turkey, on March 27, 2026.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Temptations to overspend will surface, but the key is holding steady without being rigid.—
Kirah Tabourn,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Couples who approach retirement as a team often find the transition smoother and more enjoyable.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
28 Mar. 2026
-
That makes for an enjoyable ride even if the pieces don’t always fit.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Entertaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertaining. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
