Synonyms of amuse

amuse

verb

ə-ˈmyüz 

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

• entertain
• regale
• distract
• delight
• appease
• divert
• occupy
• solace
• please
• busy
• engross
• enchant
• interest
• captivate
• engage
• fascinate
• involve
• console
• charm
• enthral
• disport
• comfort
• beguile
• immerse
• enthrall
• intrigue
• bewitch
• gratify
• hypnotize
• placate
• spoil
• humor
• soothe
• mesmerize
• pleasure
• indulge
• pamper
• pacify
• absorb
• mollify
• coddle
• oblige
• content
• propitiate
• conciliate
• grip
• mollycoddle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• wear
• drain
• annoy
• exhaust
• wear out
• aggravate
• harass
• tire
• bother
• fatigue
• disturb
• exasperate
• upset
• vex
• jade
• irk
• enervate
• perturb
• pester
• bug
• pique
• fret
• harry
• grate
• chafe
• gall
• peeve
• nettle

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

Recent Examples of amuse

Italian journalist Federica Polidoro asked, drawing a range of confused and amused reactions from the three stars. —Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Sep. 2025

Still, Omerzu’s touch is light, ironic and gently amused, a little reminiscent of François Ozon, who has a similar facility with twisty sly comedy-drama grounded in pain. —Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2025

The Haas Brothers playful sculptures of real and imagined creatures never fail to amuse and confound. —Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2025

This restaurant is open only Thursday-Saturday, serves a maximum of 18 diners, as a result, strictly requires reservations and offers a boat ride first with a saffron tea and amuse bouche service onboard. —Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025