amuse
8 synonyms for amuse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To entertain someone or make them laugh or smile.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use amuse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
amuse yourself
amuse the crowd
easily amused
Etymology
From Old French amuser, "to stupefy or occupy the mind," ultimately of uncertain origin.
Full origin of amuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “amuse” mean?
The word “amuse” means to entertain someone or make them laugh or smile. In plain terms, to make someone laugh, smile, or pass the time pleasantly.
How do you pronounce “amuse”?
“Amuse” is pronounced uh-MYOOZ (/əˈmjuːz/ in IPA).
How do you use “amuse” in a sentence?
Here is “amuse” used in a sentence: “The clown amused the children with silly faces.”
What is another word for “amuse”?
Words with a similar meaning to “amuse” include entertain, gratify, please, divert, beguile and exhilarate.
What part of speech is “amuse”?
“Amuse” is a verb.
Where does the word “amuse” come from?
The word “amuse” comes from Old French. From Old French amuser, "to stupefy or occupy the mind," ultimately of uncertain origin.
Is “amuse” a common word?
“Amuse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “amuse” have?
“Amuse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to entertain someone or make them laugh or smile.
