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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 The fire badly damaged the inside of the large room that is often used for entertaining crowds and art displays. Marc Levy, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, blending seamlessly into a sunlit family and sitting room — perfect for everything from lingering over Sunday brunch to lavish summer entertaining. Miriam Schwartz, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025 Chattanooga, Tennessee Equal parts city escape and nature retreat, Chattanooga offers tons of activities to keep your group entertained, plus great food and plenty of art. Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025 Rahill has an endless supply of stories to entertain his passengers, from dicey black bear encounters to scraping mites off his hand with a knife after handling an armadillo. Uma Raja, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • What’s your take on that? I’m amused by it, just because broadcast TV never went out of vogue at our company.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Viewers on Reddit were amused by the pup's hilarious expression in the viral clip.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • While contemplating his former love and his future as a father, Massey conjures up the apparition of his beloved Catherine.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Boasberg has been contemplating whether to hold any administration officials in contempt of court for ignoring his orders last month to turn around planes that were carrying the deportees to El Salvador.
    Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At this time, there is no data on the containment status of the fire and the cause has yet to be determined.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • This at-bat had no significance on an eventual 7-2 Phillies win over the Miami Marlins.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There will also be new characters for guests to greet and learn their lore — an eccentric monster hunter and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Kreeger’s background Born an only child in New York City, Kreeger regaled guests with his stories bridging his work in the legal and musical communities.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Once the news of her pending nuptials to ex-professional snowboarder Shaun White hit, inquiring minds were quick to ponder what her bridal beauty prep and wedding makeup looks might entail.
    Jessica Ourisman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Exploring themes of empty consumerism, social isolation, and toxic masculinity before that phrase entered the cultural lexicon, American Psycho gives the audience a lot to ponder in addition to operating as an entertaining horror film.
    Johnny Loftus, EW.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The judge’s opinion would identify the grounds for an acquittal or for holding the defendants’ liable.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The same cat may appear in two other drawings held by the British Museum.
    Daniel Cassady for ARTnews, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The dispute ended up before the Supreme Court, and Chief Justice John Roberts put that deadline on hold to allow the high court more time to consider the matter.
    Jacob Rosen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Legal representatives for Nelly urged the judge presiding over the case to consider delaying the dismissal and holding St. Lunatics accountable for the legal charges incurred.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As fans returned, WrestleMania 37 in 2021 Night 1 started with a WWE Championship match won by Bobby Lashley, while WrestleMania 38 in 2022 Night 1 opened with The Usos retaining their SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • During an interview earlier this week, Witkoff alluded to the idea that Iran would be able to retain uranium enriched to approximately 3.7% for the purposes of energy production.
    Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 17 Apr. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

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