amusement

noun

amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
Synonyms of amusement
1
: a means of amusing or entertaining
what are her favorite amusements
2
: the condition of being amused
could not hide his amusement
3
: pleasurable diversion : entertainment
plays the piano for amusement

Synonyms of amusement

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Examples of amusement in a Sentence

I'm reading this novel for amusement. Several games were provided for the education and amusement of the children.
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.
Remmick, Jimmy Crystal and Larry Lamb share an unrelenting desire to entertain, whether performing music outside a juke joint, indulging amusement with graphic violence or delighting the British reading public with scandal and drama. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 This does not go unnoticed by Britt (Isabelle Bonfrer), a bartender who watches it unfold with quiet amusement. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026 And the crowd on-hand watching the festivities roared in amusement. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 New Atlas The rides were in varying stages of decay, and there seemed to be a lot of orphaned carousel horses from other amusement centers dotted across the park. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for amusement

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of amusement was in 1603

Phrases Containing amusement

Browse Nearby Words

amuse-gueule
amusement
amusement arcade
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amusement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amusement. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

amusement

noun
amuse·​ment ə-ˈmyüz-mənt How to pronounce amusement (audio)
1
: something that amuses
2
: the condition of being amused
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