amusing

adjective

amus·​ing ə-ˈmyü-ziŋ How to pronounce amusing (audio)
Synonyms of amusing
: giving amusement : diverting
amusing twists to the story
amusing gadgets to play with
an amusing performance
amusingly
ə-ˈmyü-ziŋ-lē How to pronounce amusing (audio)
adverb
amusingness noun

Synonyms of amusing

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Examples of amusing in a Sentence

He's one of the most amusing people I know. It was amusing to hear her tell the story.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Joel David Smallbone is briefly amusing as a cranky aristocrat and the rest of the cast does what they are expected to do. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 1 July 2026 Some patients found the name amusing, but the billionairesses apparently did not. — Melanie Thernstrom, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 Elmosnino is an amusing villain, making his most self-serving machinations sound reasonable. — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 Also, the booing of every single hydration break has been surprisingly amusing every single time. — Phil Hay, New York Times, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for amusing

Word History

Etymology

from present participle of amuse

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amusing was in 1676

Rhymes for amusing

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Browse Nearby Words

Amusgo
amusing
amusive
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Cite this Entry

“Amusing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amusing. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on amusing

Nglish: Translation of amusing for Spanish Speakers

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