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

Start strong with its signature amuse bouche, an oyster—perhaps from St. Vaast or Oléron, depending on the season—served with a spicy margarita shot. —Eleanor Aldridge, AFAR Media, 30 May 2025

Reactions online ranged from shocked to amused, with some commenters poking fun at Will’s scream. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 21 May 2025

Reddit Reacts The post sparked a wave of responses from Reddit users—some amused, some sympathetic, and others cautionary. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

Belmondo, on the other hand, seems endlessly amused by the whole improvisational process. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 May 2025