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

Gorman collaborated with actors, hosts, show creators, production crew and others on scripted and improvised marketing shoots that made for more than 300 pieces of content for every episode of Glee during its first five seasons (2009-14). —Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Sep. 2024

Some versions may be improvised in the improvised, others will come from the hundreds of small companies now producing drones and drone munitions. —David Hambling, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Rather than waste the opportunity, St. Felix improvised. —Nate Anderson, Ars Technica, 20 Sep. 2024

One way that Kolodny achieved a naturalistic flavor was to build in 30 minutes at the beginning of each scene during which the actors would improvise in character before getting down to what was scripted. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 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-