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 Most were designed to amuse, but some WSC covers spoke better than a thousand words ever could, including arguably their finest effort in response to the Hillsborough disaster that saw 97 lives lost at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 June 2025 Fans were amused by his follow-up with the vacation picture. Marina Watts, People.com, 19 May 2025 Former Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter has been amusing himself on social media with posts that are clearly designed to troll Kansas City fans. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2025 Bugs are ubiquitous and range from amusing to annoying to downright game-breaking. Alan Bradley, Space.com, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for amuse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for amuse
Verb
  • There’s no pressure to perform, no need to entertain or constantly talk.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • The band’s repertoire will include a variety of music to entertain audiences of all ages.
    Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Arriving onstage hours late, Stone regaled the astonished crowd with a diatribe against Jerry Goldstein, his manager since the early ’90s.
    Chris Morris, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • For example, Braun regaled how on a particularly windy day in West Palm Beach, the shuttle stopped along its route seemingly out of nowhere.
    Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 15 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Amuse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/amuse. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on amuse

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