Amuse
What it means
To hold someone's attention with light pleasure or laughter.
Reach for it when describing entertainment that lifts a moment without implying deep meaning
The conductor's imitation of a duck began to amuse the waiting children.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when gentle humor produces a light, personal reaction
Careful Tickle is too whimsical for formal arts criticism.
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everyday
Fits when holding interest matters whether or not anyone laughs
Careful Entertainment can be dramatic or moving rather than amusing.
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everyday
make laugh
Fits when actual laughter is the clear intended effect
Careful Something can amuse with only a quiet smile.
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warm
Fits when the response should be joyful and affectionate
Careful Delight is stronger and need not involve humor.
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formal
divert
Fits when a pleasant distraction relieves boredom or worry
Careful Divert can imply turning attention away from something important.
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literary
Fits when stories or lively talk entertain an attentive group
Careful Regale suggests generous performance, not a brief visual joke.
Opposites 3
- bore
- sadden
- annoy
Common phrases 3
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amuse the children
Paper puppets amuse the children during the short wait.
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mildly amuse
The old advertisement may mildly amuse modern readers.
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amuse oneself
Pia can amuse herself for hours with colored string.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated