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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 For this new batch of episodes, Povenmire and Marsh embraced the show’s successful formula where the boys come up with new and always increasingly creative ways to entertain themselves. Amy Amatangelo, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025 Epstein was known to entertain famous people on his island, Little St. James, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Jesus Mesa hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Beyond the underlying themes of family and deception, Banks just wants audiences to be entertained. Matt Minton, Variety, 4 June 2025 Volta gave demonstrations to scientific institutes across Europe with esteemed attendees, including Napoleon Bonaparte, and entertained audiences in theaters with electric devices. Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for entertain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entertain
Verb
  • Former Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter has been amusing himself on social media with posts that are clearly designed to troll Kansas City fans.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2025
  • Bugs are ubiquitous and range from amusing to annoying to downright game-breaking.
    Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • These appear to be slightly more survivable, although the casualty rate is so high no Western army would contemplate such tactics.
    David Hambling, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Smart’s captors subjected her to rape daily, something that drove her to the point of contemplating suicide.
    Stephanie Kaloi, People.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • In addition to having extra savings, users also benefit from an enhanced shopping experience.
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 17 June 2025
  • Drew cited that Formula E eco-friendly car racing now has 500 million fans as an example.
    Joan Michelson, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • There are also 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, 23 May 2025
  • Ars Video As in the books, Murderbot is the central narrator, regaling us with his observations of the humans with their silly ways and discomfiting outbursts of emotion.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Tyler Dragon ponders if Rodgers actually makes the Steelers better.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • The cuts come as Warner Bros. Discovery is said to be pondering a possible spinoff of its declining cable TV assets, which include its Turner channels, Discovery Networks, HGTV and Food Network, similar to what Comcast is doing with its NBCUniversal cable outlets (with the exception of Bravo).
    Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The Angels held the third-worst batting average (.229) and fourth-worst on-base percentage (.301) in MLB a year ago.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • About 20 protesters stood at the entrance wearing shirts and holding signs with Christian messaging.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Audiences will witness the events that fractured the bond between Gojo, often considered the most powerful sorcerer in the series, and Geto, who would later become a formidable antagonist.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • The practices once reserved for the Baloch, considered lesser citizens, are now expanding to other parts of Pakistan.
    Mahrang Baloch, Time, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • The dilemma is how to retain the beneficial essence of CEQA while dealing with the downsides.
    Daniel Yost, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
  • McVay will be retained for a further period to give strategic advice to the new CEO and also lead in the short to medium term on all of Pact’s political and campaigning work.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Entertain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entertain. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on entertain

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