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

Derived Forms

• aˈmusingly, adverb

Other Words From

• a·musing·ly adverb
• a·musing·ness noun
• quasi-a·musing adjective
• quasi-a·musing·ly adverb
• una·musing adjective
• una·musing·ly adverb
• una·musing·ness 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

But his ranking Democratic member just told an amusing story about Issa.

From The Daily Beast

He wrote a number of books dealing with the more amusing aspects of army life.

From The Daily Beast

Fun facts like this abound, often displayed via amusing graphs and infographics.

From The Daily Beast

He's polite and amusing, inventing comic voices to deceive friends.

From The Daily Beast

There was something amusing to us about an actor who wants to move on with a new life.

From The Daily Beast

He insisted upon my staying a while, and we had the most amusing and entertaining conversation imaginable.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time he is appreciative and very amusing, and one has no chance to indulge in melancholy with him.

From Project Gutenberg

He is very silent—he sometimes sits for ten minutes without speaking; I assure you it is n't amusing.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a great sense of humour and used to tell many an amusing story.

From Project Gutenberg

The most amusing point in it is, that the author seriously intended the lines to rhyme.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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