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 Even now at more than 50 years old, there is something undeniable about the movie’s ability to entertain, delight and terrify an audience. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026 Access to best-selling audiobooks, podcasts, and original content will keep a parent awake and entertained during middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 July 2026 However, incorporating the latest luxury pool design trends can take backyard entertaining to another level. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 The 83-year-old singer and songwriter has been honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's National Patriot Award and has entertained troops on more than 30 United Service Organizations (USO) tours, according to Soldier Valley Spirits. — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 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
  • But even in hard times, there are things to amuse us.
    — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 June 2026
  • In the hour-long special, taped the Skirball in New York City in March, Barone aims to shock, amuse, and arouse.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 June 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • Emergency experts working day and night contemplated various entry and exit routes from the nearest accessible access point, about 75 feet away from where Gil was trapped.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • With a new album out this summer—her first in a decade—Madonna’s reemergence on the pop scene has left many of us contemplating her ultimate place in its firmament.
    — Alex Frank, Vogue, 2 July 2026
Definition of contemplate
Verb
  • The landmark property celebrates the style of the sixties, when air travel still had a spark of glamor.
    — Allison Tibaldi, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The Chiefs have a world championship banner hanging atop the press box.
    — Sam McDowell Updated July 3, Kansas City Star, 4 July 2026
Definition of have
Verb
  • Knowledgeable docents regale guests with stories about the Ingalls family, residents of the hotel, and the town, and also point out artifacts from pioneer-era life during 45-60 minute tours.
    — Alicia Underlee Nelson, Midwest Living, 22 June 2026
  • Trump regularly regales audiences with his prowess as a dealmaker by recounting conversations he's had with Macron about trade irritants, mimicking Macron's responses in an exaggerated accent.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 June 2026
Definition of regale
Verb
  • This anxiety often leads to rumination, where individuals endlessly ponder potential outcomes without actual preparation, mistakenly equating thinking with problem-solving.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Bravo is sipping its cuppa and pondering what to do about those interesting ladies across the pond.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 1 July 2026
Definition of ponder
Verb
  • The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of hold
Verb
  • And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The Teller's wedding no-show still comes a surprise, considering Keleigh has been friends with Taylor for well over a decade.
    — Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 July 2026
Definition of consider
Verb
  • The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Definition of retain

Browse Nearby Words

enters (into or upon)
entertain
entertained
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Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

Nglish: Translation of entertain for Spanish Speakers

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