To save this word, you’ll need to log in. How is the word amuse different from other verbs like it? Amuse bouche michelin star 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! Test your knowledge – and maybe learn something along the way.

Solve today’s spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Can you make 12 words with 7 letters? Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. Some may be more useful than others.

Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. Fourteen words that helped define the year. Learn a new word every day. To save this word, you’ll need to log in.