improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-,

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised

improvisational

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌim-prə-və-

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

adjective

improvisationally adverb

Synonyms

• ad-lib
• extemporization
• impromptu
• improv

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

Recent Examples on the Web

Give me Allen Iverson shooting 10-25 with improvisation, flair, and moves that take your breath away over the snoozefest of today. —Patrick Sauer, Oc Register, 24 Mar. 2025

Known for his comedic skills, Lee Kwang-soo brings his signature humor to the series through improvisation. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Apr. 2025

In a last-minute improvisation at WrestleMania 39, Snoop Dogg replaced an injured Shane McMahon in a match against The Miz. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

The Mulberry Harbours were a combination of cutting-edge pier technology and improvisation. —Colin Flint, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for improvisation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something that is improvised

improvisational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective