ENTERTAIN Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

entertain

verb

ˌen-tər-ˈtān

Definition of entertain next

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

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

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

Examples of entertain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But the rest of me won’t entertain that theorem for long. —

Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024 Wall Crawler Gecko Half creepy, half silly, this robot gecko will entertain the whole family. —

Toby Rose, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024 Some of you may entertain the idea of gathering with siblings or neighbors or connecting with peers who share similar interests. —

Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Despite being troubled by severe health issues in recent years that restricted him to performing in a wheelchair, Paul continued to entertain his fans around the world, racking up well over 100 shows since 2023. —

Variety, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entertain

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'entertain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.