amuse

verb

ə-ˈmyüz How to pronounce amuse (audio)
Definition of amusenext
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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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 According to the inner circle, the mythology is something that amuses Vernon more than anything else. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 The refreshing sight of the women teaming up against Falstaff never fails to amuse. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 Mandel appeared amused by the tribute, but the rest of the panel was considerably less enthusiastic. — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Humorous art that makes light of what goes on in the bathroom can have a playful effect and keep your guests amused, too. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amuse
  1. entertain
  2. regale
Verb
  • The idea is one of extension, of continuing the thread of modernity, of constantly making new again and again—maintaining continuity against so many distractions, ignoring the jewelry-rattlers who want to be entertained in the fancy theatah.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, vaulted ceilings and deep roof overhangs define the living spaces, while a vintage bar opens to the family room and the living and dining rooms provide ample space for entertaining.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of entertain
Verb
  • Baker was known to regale locals with the history of their own homes and the founding Monrovians who lived there before them.
    — Dakota Kim, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • And new local knowledge will be gleaned, with which future visitors will someday be regaled.
    — Rafaela Jinich, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026
Definition of regale

Browse Nearby Words

amulets
amuse
amuse-bouche
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amuse. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on amuse

Nglish: Translation of amuse for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of zeugma

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All