To save this word, you’ll need to log in. Amuse bouche catering is the word amuse different from other verbs like it? The words divert and entertain are common synonyms of amuse.

While all three words mean “to pass or cause to pass the time pleasantly,” amuse suggests that one’s attention is engaged lightly. When might divert be a better fit than amuse? While in some cases nearly identical to amuse, divert implies distracting attention from worry or routine occupation especially by something funny. Where would entertain be a reasonable alternative to amuse?

The words entertain and amuse are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, entertain suggests supplying amusement by specially contrived methods. Or must it only mean ‘to devote oneself to the Muses’? Subscribe to America’s largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Get Word of the Day daily email!