improvise

verb
UK: /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/
US: /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/

  1. To create or perform something without any preparation.

    1. I had to improvise a speech at the last minute.
    2. The actors had to improvise when they forgot their lines onstage.

  2. To make, invent, or arrange something at the time when it is needed without already having planned it.

    1. We didn't have all the right ingredients, so we had to improvise.
    2. When the car broke down, he had to improvise a temporary repair with duct tape.

  3. To perform a play, a piece of music, etc. by inventing the words or music rather than using a written text or score.

    1. They often improvise songs during their jam sessions.
    2. The band decided to improvise a new ending to their most popular song.

Synonyms

devise ad-lib contrive wing it extemporize
improvise adjective

  1. Made or done without previous preparation.

    1. It was an improvise meeting with the supervisor.
    2. We need to find a way to make some improvise repairs to the roof.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "improvise" in English means: To create or perform something without any preparation., To make, invent, or arrange something at the time when it is needed without already having planned it., To perform a play, a piece of music, etc. by inventing the words or music rather than using a written text or score..

The phonetic transcription of "improvise" is /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/ in British English and /ˈɪmprəvaɪz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

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

Example usage of "improvise": "I had to improvise a speech at the last minute.". More examples on the page.