Which word indicates a characteristic of being amusing in a clever way?

The word that indicates a characteristic of being amusing in a clever way is "wry." This term often describes humor or wit that is dry or understated, frequently carrying a sense of irony. A wry sense of humor can cleverly critique or highlight certain truths about human nature or situations, and this subtlety makes it both amusing and engaging.

In contrast, the other options do not align with this characteristic. "Cynical" refers to distrust or skepticism toward human motives rather than an amusing quality. "Erratic" describes unpredictable behavior, which does not suggest cleverness or amusement. "Dupe" relates to being deceived or tricked, lacking any humorous connotation. Thus, the fitting choice that conveys a sense of clever amusement is "wry."