amusing
uh-MYOO-zihng
Amusing (adj) means Funny or entertaining; causing laughter or light enjoyment. Example: “He told an amusing story about his first day at work.”
adj
1
Funny or entertaining; causing laughter or light enjoyment.
"He told an amusing story about his first day at work."
"It was an amusing coincidence that they wore the same outfit."
"The children found the clown's clumsy tricks highly amusing."
How to use amusing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that makes you smile or laugh, usually in a mild, pleasant way.
Common mistake
Don’t confuse with "amazing" (impressive) — "amusing" just means entertaining or funny.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
an amusing anecdote
find something amusing
mildly amusing
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more amusing, amusinger
- Superlative
- most amusing, amusingest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He told an _____ story about his first day at work.
Etymology
Formed, by surface analysis, from amuse and -ing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unamusing
Related words
Rhymes for amusing
See all rhymes for amusing →Frequently asked questions
What does “amusing” mean?
The word “amusing” means funny or entertaining; causing laughter or light enjoyment. In plain terms, something that makes you smile or laugh, usually in a mild, pleasant way.
How do you pronounce “amusing”?
“Amusing” is pronounced uh-MYOO-zihng (/əˈmjuːzɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “amusing” in a sentence?
Here is “amusing” used in a sentence: “He told an amusing story about his first day at work.”
What is the opposite of “amusing”?
The opposite of “amusing” — its antonyms — is unamusing.
What part of speech is “amusing”?
“Amusing” is an adjective.
Is “amusing” a common word?
“Amusing” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "amusing" and "funny"?
"Funny" often implies something genuinely comic or laugh-out-loud, while "amusing" tends to describe something lighter, such as a pleasant or wry source of enjoyment. A story can be amusing without ever making someone actually laugh.
Is "amusing" a formal or informal word?
Amusing works comfortably in both formal and informal writing, making it a slightly more polished alternative to casual words like "funny" or "hilarious."
What is the difference between "amusing" and "amused"?
"Amusing" describes something that causes enjoyment, as in an amusing anecdote, while "amused" describes the feeling of the person experiencing it, as in "she was amused by the anecdote." One is the cause, the other the reaction.
