amusing

[uh-myoo-zing]

adjective

1. pleasantly entertaining or diverting.

   an amusing speaker.

   Synonyms: lively, engaging, pleasing, charming

2. causing laughter or mirth; humorously entertaining.

   an amusing joke.

   Synonyms: funny, humorous, laughable

amusing

/ əˈmjuːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. mildly entertaining; pleasantly diverting; causing a smile or laugh

Other Word Forms

• amusingly adverb
• amusingness noun
• quasi-amusing adjective
• quasi-amusingly adverb
• unamusing adjective
• unamusingly adverb
• unamusingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of amusing¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; amuse + -ing ²

Synonym Study

Amusing, comical, droll describe that which causes mirth. That which is amusing is quietly humorous or funny in a gentle, good-humored way: The baby's attempts to talk were amusing. That which is comical causes laughter by being incongruous, witty, or ludicrous: His huge shoes made the clown look comical. Droll adds to comical the idea of strange or peculiar, and sometimes that of sly or waggish humor: the droll antics of a kitten; a droll imitation.

Example Sentences

“Watching Dunlap try to recreate himself as a progressive would be amusing if it were not so cynical,” Golden said.

From Salon

There is the amusing muddle, and there is the world-class architecture.

From Los Angeles Times

Using his rugged vocal delivery, Montana peppers his lyrics with amusing vulgarities.

From Los Angeles Times

The chain presents itself as more local than it is, a feat that’s both amusing and impressive in an era of corporate sameness.

From Salon

They don’t seem to see themselves fitting in anywhere in hell, actually — that tension is both annoying and amusing.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• campy 
• charming 
• comical 
• delightful 
• diverting 
• droll 
• engaging 
• enjoyable 
• entertaining 
• fun 
• gratifying 
• humorous 
• interesting 
• lively 
• pleasant 
• pleasing