AMUSE Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'amuse' different from other verbs like it?

The words divert and entertain are common synonyms of amuse . While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly. // amuse yourselves while I make dinner

Q: When might 'divert' be a better fit than 'amuse'?

While in some cases nearly identical to amuse , divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny. // a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

Q: Where would 'entertain' be a reasonable alternative to 'amuse'?

The words entertain and amuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods. // a magician entertaining children at a party

amuse

verb

ə-ˈmyüz

Definition of amuse

as in to entertain

to cause (someone) to pass the time agreeably occupied the older girl amused her four-year-old sister at the family reunion by showing her off to all the relatives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word amuse different from other verbs like it?

The words divert and entertain are common synonyms of amuse. While all three words mean "to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly," amuse suggests that one's attention is engaged lightly.

amuse yourselves while I make dinner

When might divert be a better fit than amuse?

While in some cases nearly identical to amuse, divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny.

a light comedy to divert the tired businessman

Where would entertain be a reasonable alternative to amuse?

The words entertain and amuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods.

a magician entertaining children at a party

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 amuse This kind of conversation always leaves me half-amused, half-terrified. — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026 With these four words, Courtney O’Donnell gave zillennials a brain-rot character to call their own, a dash of midsummer Dada to amuse people getting nothing done on their computers. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026 Goddard said she was amused during last week’s performances to serve audiences a complimentary cup and saucer of Abigail’s tea blend and gauge flavor reactions. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 Dozens of content creators, like Food Beast and Costco New Deals, rushed to share the find with their followers, who were either amused, horrified or both. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amuse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amuse

Verb

Keep scrolling to shop our ultimate Thanksgiving hosting guide, featuring cooking essentials, entertaining must haves, table decor and more.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Later, she’s entertained by a mouse running along the baseboard of one of London’s more elegant restaurants.

— Sarah Crompton, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of entertain

Verb

Turturro regaled attendees with stories about his impressive stage career.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2026
If wokeness isn’t the most pressing matter in this year’s election, neither were the other golden oldies DeSantis recalled to regale the ballroom crowd at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre about his eight years in office.

— Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of regale

Browse Nearby Words

amulets

amuse

amuse-bouche

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“Amuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amuse. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of amuse

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Synonyms of amuse

verb

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