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 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 Prominent royal commentators and people online were amused, annoyed or more by the couple’s belief that they should have been consulted before the letter went out. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2026 Horgan ended up incorporating some of those videos—AI slop of dogs blowing up houses with laser beam eyes, for instance—which amused Murphy. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amuse

Recent Examples of Synonyms for amuse

Verb

But that kept him entertained, as did his gaming console, which came in handy last year in Rome, when my husband and I slipped out to Piazza del Popolo for a glass of wine.

— Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026
The games feature unconventional rules designed to keep the action moving and entertain fans.

— Adam Thompson, CBS News, 16 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of amuse

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Synonyms of amuse

verb

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