Which phrase can be used instead of 'caused everyone to laugh' in the context of the given sentence?

The phrase "made everyone laugh" is an effective substitute for "caused everyone to laugh" because it conveys a direct and uncomplicated relationship between the subject and the action of laughing. In this context, "made" indicates that the action of laughing occurred as a direct result of the subject's influence or actions, which aligns well with the original meaning.

This choice maintains the original sentence's intent by emphasizing the outcome of laughter without implying any coercion or obligation, which can be associated with other options. For instance, "prompted" suggests an invitation that might not lead to an immediate reaction, while "forced" carries a negative connotation that implies compulsion rather than natural enjoyment. "Encouraged" implies support or motivation but lacks the directness of "made," which strongly asserts that the laughter was indeed a result of the subject's action. Therefore, "made everyone laugh" is the most fitting alternative that preserves the meaning of the original phrase.