Synonyms entertainment

entertainment

fun ▪ recreation ▪ relaxation ▪ play ▪ pleasure ▪ amusement

These are all words for things or activities used to entertain people when they are not working.

entertainment films, television, music, etc. used to entertain people:

There are three bars, with live entertainment seven nights a week.

fun (rather informal) behaviour or activities that are not serious but are meant to be enjoyed:

It wasn’t serious—it was all done in fun.

We didn’t mean to hurt him. It was just a bit of fun.

The lottery provides harmless fun for millions.

recreation (rather formal) things people do for pleasure when they are not working:

His only form of recreation is playing football.

relaxation (rather formal) things people do to rest and enjoy themselves when they are not working; the ability to relax:

I go hill-walking for relaxation.

recreation or relaxation?

Both these words can be used for a wide range of activities, physical and mental, but relaxation is sometimes used for gentler activities than recreation: I play the flute in a wind band for recreation. • I listen to music for relaxation.

play things that people, especially children, do for pleasure rather than as work:

the happy sounds of children at play

pleasure the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working:

Are you in Paris for business or pleasure?

amusement the fact of being entertained by something:

What do you do for amusement round here?

Patterns

to do something for entertainment/​fun/​recreation/​relaxation/​pleasure/​amusement

to provide entertainment/​fun/​recreation/​relaxation/​amusement