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

It is amusing to waddle like a duck, and I have grown used to it.

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Lady Constance seemed to find this amusing and chuckled at her own remark.

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“Do you know what would have been terribly amusing?” said Lady Constance in a dreamy voice.

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As they walked he told amusing stories about life in the theater, which made Penelope fervently wish that she and the children might be able to see a show during their stay in London.

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There was no way to know for sure, but I found it amusing.

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Related Words

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