improvise

verb

im·​pro·​vise ˈim-prə-ˌvīz 

 also  ˌim-prə-ˈvīz

improvised; improvising

transitive verb

1

: to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously

2

: to make, invent, or arrange offhand

the quarterback improvised a play

3

: to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand

improvise a meal

intransitive verb

: to improvise something

improviser noun

or improvisor

ˈim-prə-ˌvī-zər 

ˌim-prə-ˈvī-

Synonyms

• ad-lib
• clap (together or up)
• extemporize
• fake

Examples of improvise in a Sentence

If you forget any of your lines, try to improvise.

Good jazz musicians know how to improvise.

He had to improvise his opening speech when he forgot his notes.

The trumpet player performed an improvised solo.

I wasn't expecting guests, so I had to improvise a meal with what I had in my refrigerator.

Recent Examples on the Web

That's Pretty Incredible' (Exclusive) Director Jon Favreau, however, decided that Acheson was going to improvise with Ferrell, now 57. —Marina Watts, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Now that their kids are bigger, the two women are improvising on the tradition by hosting a walking hot-chocolate party to see the displays. —Francine Kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, 19 Dec. 2024

Based on a structure and suggested dialogue, a lot of it is improvised, so a lot of it comes out of our own hearts and minds and mouths and that’s what Nathan Silver, the director, wants. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024

And so George and I began to improvise the scene of me coming back for the first time and [George] seeing me for the first time in 23 years. —Ashley Boucher, EW.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

French improviser, from Italian improvvisare, from improvviso sudden, from Latin improvisus, literally, unforeseen, from in- + provisus, past participle of providēre to see ahead — more at provide

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

improvise

verb

im·​pro·​vise ˌim-prə-ˈvīz 

ˈim-prə-ˌvīz

improvised; improvising

1

: to compose, recite, play, or sing without preparation

2

: to make, invent, or arrange on the spur of the moment or without planning

the quarterback improvised a play

3

: to make out of what is conveniently on hand

improvise a bed from leaves and straw

improviser noun

or improvisor

-ˈvī-zər,

-ˌvī-