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 Instead, Curry connected with fans like me because, as a performer, the man seemed able to do anything, and do it with a kind of liberated abandon and eagerness to entertain. — Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026 Chairman Alan Greenspan instead entertained the possibility that the models were wrong—that faster productivity growth had raised the economy’s speed limit—and largely resisted further rate increases. — Joao Gomes, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 For almost a decade, Netflix has provided Shondaland with the autonomy and support to tell our kind of stories—stories that both entertain and reflect diversity and humanity in a way that resonates with audiences around the world. — Peter White, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026 No, not entertaining in the typical star-player-doing-amazing-things kind of way. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 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
  • Horgan ended up incorporating some of those videos—AI slop of dogs blowing up houses with laser beam eyes, for instance—which amused Murphy.
    — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Students were especially amused that AI had John Singer, who acts as a hub connecting all the other characters, speaking on a variety of subjects.
    — Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • Even in the midst of this global struggle, Roosevelt contemplated the future and envisioned the critical role that a new United Nations might play.
    — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • But Williams — who is set to compete with her sister Serena Williams in the Open’s doubles tournament this week — wasn’t ready to contemplate what’s next for her career after that.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • And some of the outlook may have less to do with the immediate issues and more about life stage.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Staff come from all over the globe, and have extensive top-level international hospitality experience.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • The two dashing newcomers have since been regaling the Georgia Aquarium’s existing belugas, a quartet of females*, with tales of their peregrinations.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of regale
Verb
  • Sierra College has three quarterbacks to ponder, and all will play early, Noonan said.
    — JOE DAVIDSON, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The question to ponder in sports today is whether speech functions as an act with a cost or as a renewable resource for an audience happy to waste time on slop.
    — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • Namely, a forgiving elastic waistband, a breezy, lightweight feel, and pockets that are actually deep enough to hold your essentials.
    — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The bag is big enough to hold all your travel essentials—even a small umbrella or tablet—and features two slip pockets and one zip pocket inside.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • After Sunday’s game, manager John Schneider indicated the club was still considering all options.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Asked about the cause of the capsize, Erhurman noted the storm, but said the weather was considered suitable for travel.
    — Reuters, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • Conversely, someone with a BMI in the normal range could have lost considerable muscle while retaining excess body fat.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • These were followed by black- and silver-dial models retaining the dual-color bezel.
    — Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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