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

He’s the one with the Oxford accent and amusing tales who hands around the port and cigars while he plots the hero’s demise.

From Los Angeles Times

Even at its most brooding, “Gemini” is enlivened by amusing wordplay and Heynderickx’s wry delivery.

From New York Times

They’re going for a kind of holiday-themed “Mission: Impossible” or “Jason Bourne” vibe, which is lightly amusing for all of five minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s perfectly fine — consistently amusing, sometimes funny, basically sweet, a little sentimental in the finish.

From Los Angeles Times

An amusing scene has two women he robbed remembering little more than how handsome he was when questioned by the police.

From Salon

Related Words

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