ad-lib

verb
UK: /ˌædˈlɪb/
US: /ˌædˈlɪb/

  1. To speak or perform without preparation.

    1. He had to ad-lib a speech when the speaker didn't arrive. [ ] [ ]
    2. The comedian is known for his ability to ad-lib during his stand-up routine. [ ] [ ]

  2. To make something up on the spot, especially speech or actions.

    1. I forgot my lines, so I had to ad-lib. [ ] [ ]
    2. She ad-libbed a story to explain why she was late for the meeting with director. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

wing it devise extemporize improvise
ad-lib adjective

  1. Spoken or performed without preparation or rehearsal.

    1. The actor gave an ad-lib performance. [ ] [ ]
    2. The band played an ad-lib version of the song during their concert last night. [ ] [ ]
ad-lib noun

  1. A remark or performance that is made up on the spot.

    1. His ad-lib was the funniest part of the show. [ ] [ ]
    2. The comedian's ad-lib made the audience roar with laughter that night. [ ] [ ]
ad-lib adverb

  1. Without any advance preparation.

    1. He spoke ad-lib at the meeting. [ ] [ ]
    2. The speaker addressed the gathering ad-lib because he forgot his prepared remarks. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "ad-lib" in English means: To speak or perform without preparation., To make something up on the spot, especially speech or actions..

The phonetic transcription of "ad-lib" is /ˌædˈlɪb/ in British English and /ˌædˈlɪb/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "ad-lib": wing it, devise, extemporize, improvise.

Example usage of "ad-lib": "He had to ad-lib a speech when the speaker didn't arrive.". More examples on the page.