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View synonyms for

amuse

[ uh-myooz ]

verb (used with object)

amused, amusing.
  1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner:

    She amused the guests with witty conversation.

    Synonyms: , ,

  2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in:

    The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

  3. to cause (time, leisure, etc.) to pass agreeably.
  4. Archaic. to keep in expectation by flattery, pretenses, etc.
  5. Obsolete.
    1. to engross; absorb.
    2. to puzzle; distract.


amuse

/ əˈː /

verb

  1. to keep pleasantly occupied; entertain; divert
  2. to cause to laugh or smile
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Confusables Note

See bemuse.
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ܲa· adjective
  • ·ܲİ noun
  • un·ܲa· adjective
  • ܲa·ܲa· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse1

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French amuser “to divert”; equivalent to a- 5 + muse
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Word History and Origins

Origin of amuse1

C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to muse 1
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Synonym Study

Amuse, divert, entertain mean to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy. Divert implies turning the attention from serious thoughts or pursuits to something light, amusing, or lively. That which entertains usually does so because of a plan or program that engages and holds the attention by being pleasing and sometimes instructive.
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The tapeworm rumbling is amusing, as are the sound effects of some of the gore.

From

A great deal of care — the handmade, digital and location kind — has gone into realizing this earnest, archly amusing tale of a brooding teenage girl bonding with a threatened furry forest creature.

From

We were very amused by Bret, being gay, that he had picked up on what was very gay in macho culture.

From

Though it does not always work, and many have also shared some of the amusing mistakes the tools made, where the action dolls look nothing like them.

From

To borrow from media theorist and cultural critic Neil Postman, the American people “amused themselves to death” and put Donald Trump back in the White House.

From

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A.Mus.D.amuse-bouche