entertain

verb

ˌen-tər-ˈtān How to pronounce entertain (audio)
Definition of entertainnext
1
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
2
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
3
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 Erika Gessin is the founder and creative director of The Fête Edit, a modern editorial entertaining brand that creates complete dinner party guides. — Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026 Rather than interrupting consumers with marketing messages, podcasts invite listeners into discussions that educate, entertain and build credibility over time. — Julio Cesar Gomez, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The latter come courtesy of Gravy, a puppet Dirnt used back in the day to entertain his pals on the road that inspired a cinematic counterpart. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 Gen is annoyed that Joy is still entertaining Luke via texts and video chats. — Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
  1. amuse
  2. contemplate
  3. have
  4. regale
  5. ponder
  6. hold
  7. consider
  8. retain
Verb
  • Shraddha relished Kabita’s innocence and was amused by her constant, occasionally nonsensical, chatter.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Continue reading … HOT AIR – AOC tries to laugh off 'crazy' woke era as thing of the past, but conservatives aren't amused.
    — , FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • The group’s predictions are nightmarish and agonizing to even contemplate.
    — Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • As South Korea and Japan contemplate acquiring the bomb, the START treaty has expired, and China won't negotiate on arms control.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • This assortment features best sellers including the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra, which has support, comfort adjustable straps and no-show double-layer back.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • White Water's diminutive cocktail bar has awesome bottled cocktails served in proper glassware that make for the perfect sundowner to carry across the boardwalk to soak up golden hour over the Pacific.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Baker was known to regale locals with the history of their own homes and the founding Monrovians who lived there before them.
    — Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And new local knowledge will be gleaned, with which future visitors will someday be regaled.
    — Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Definition of regale
Verb
  • Though not outright as conceptual as its predecessors, La Nueva Violencia leaves room to ponder celebrity overexposure and the mind-warping effects of the content age.
    — Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the fast-casual restaurant chain's CEO and co-founder woke up pondering the country's ongoing cyclospora outbreak.
    — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • In China, anyone who holds a position of authority is almost certainly a party member, and being kicked out of the party means the end of one’s political career.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Qatar’s armed forces captured and are holding three Iranian pilots who went missing in March when their jets were downed, the Missing Persons Committee of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • Women considering enlistment are generally more likely to ask practical questions about pregnancy policies, hygiene and whether barracks were coed, recruiters and women currently serving explained.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • At least two San Francisco home listings seen by CNN this spring said the sellers would consider accepting shares of OpenAI or Anthropic as payment.
    — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • The referendum would allow the city to enter into a management agreement with a private company while retaining ownership of the stadium and surrounding property.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • For communities facing population loss, an aging workforce, or struggling to retain young professionals and skilled workers, attracting new residents can make economic sense.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of retain

Browse Nearby Words

enters (into or upon)
entertain
entertained
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

Nglish: Translation of entertain for Spanish Speakers

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