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

Top 10 Center Fielders Ranking the top 10 catchers in MLB must account for not only a player's hitting prowess and defensive ability, but their ability to communicate with pitchers, develop a game plan, and improvise when the plan doesn't work. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Their comprehensive expertise enabled them to foresee challenges, improvise solutions and harmonize the diverse elements of a structure into cohesive, enduring masterpieces. —Francesco Iorio, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Kitsch recalls how Gilpin improvised a tender scene in which Sara gently teases Isaac for having a discernible heartbeat. —Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Even with a lightsaber in his hands and a handful of hostages, our villain seems to be at a disadvantage and forced to continue to improvise. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2025

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-