amused
Americanadjective
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pleasurably entertained, occupied, or diverted.
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displaying amusement.
an amused expression on her face.
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aroused to mirth.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of amused
First recorded in 1590–1600; amuse + -ed 2 ( def. )
Compare meaning
How does amused compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
The word amused means "pleasantly occupied" or "entertained.” If you love dogs, you’ll be amused just watching puppies frolic in the park all day. If you love everything, you’re easily amused. Amuse comes from the Middle French word amuser, meaning "to divert the attention, beguile, delude." If on a boring rainy afternoon, you amused everyone, you entertained everyone, probably making them laugh. If you were ever told, "I'm not amused," however, this goes beyond not finding something funny — that person might be angry and offended at something you said or did.
Vocabulary lists containing amused
In the Mood? 100 Words to Describe Emotions
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Hooked on a Feeling, List 2
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Positive and Uplifting Tones
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sean said his girlfriend has tried to reason with him on some of his more unusual ideas, but on this occasion she was amused to go along with the idea.
From BBC ● Jul. 15, 2026
Barantini was more amused by the reaction and says he doesn't think "small things like that matter".
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Houdon’s Franklin, though clearly an old man, looks amused and engaged, with a youthful gaze, but also highly intelligent and judicious, sociable but not entirely available, a bit enigmatic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
As his star rose, he attracted amused attention with his Manhattan penthouse and Palm Beach compound, both outfitted to the gills in golden decor.
From Slate ● Jun. 11, 2026
When they all turned to look at her, mostly amused, she added, “What? It’s exciting to think of it like that!”
From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
