51Թ

Advertisement

Advertisement

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
Discover More

Confusables Note

See bemuse.
Discover More

Other 51Թ Forms

  • amusable adjective
  • amuser noun
  • unamusable adjective
  • unamusably adverb
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of amuse1

First recorded in 1470–80; from Middle French amuser “to divert”; equivalent to a- 5 + muse
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of amuse1

C15: from Old French amuser to cause to be idle, from muser to muse 1
Discover More

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.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Onscreen, she excels at playing skeptics who are privately amused by the shenanigans of attaching yourself to another person.

From

Once again, the American people and their news media and other leaders and gatekeepers are, in the words of media scholar Neil Postman, “amusing themselves” and their democracy to death.

From

“They were trying to smile in my face, like them telling me ‘no’ amused them or something.”

From

A third mother, from Warwickshire, said her inmate son had changed for the worse, explaining crimes he once found "horrendous" now amused him.

From

Nadal later gave an amusing anecdote which offered further insight into his friendship with Murray.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


A.Mus.D.amuse-bouche