amused
Americanadjective
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pleasurably entertained, occupied, or diverted.
-
displaying amusement.
an amused expression on her face.
-
aroused to mirth.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of amused
First recorded in 1590–1600; amuse + -ed 2 ( def. )
Compare meaning
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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
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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.
Although amused by the notion, Sanders made it clear that reporters aren’t going to get a dime from him.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
Jessica amused herself by preparing her father for the tremors of future old age: She would jostle his hand as he tried to drink his tea.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026
Matt Zingler, one of the co-founders of Rolling Loud, was amused when Garelick told him about the slippery moment while first pitching the film.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Then, there are some women who've long left their nails alone, amused to find their routine – or lack thereof – suddenly in vogue.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
“Very funny, Jeremy,” Mr. Vincent said in a tone that didn’t sound amused.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
