improvisation
noun
im·pro·vi·sa·tion
| \ (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən
, ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-\
, ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-\
Definition of improvisation
1
: the act or art of improvising
2
: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised
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Other Words from improvisation
improvisational
\ (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shnəl
, -shə-nᵊl , ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī- \
adjective
, -shə-nᵊl , ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī- \
adjective
improvisationally
adverb
Synonyms for improvisation
Synonyms
ad-lib, extemporization, impromptu, improv
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Examples of improvisation in a Sentence
that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation
Recent Examples on the Web
After moving to New York to pursue music, Davis began a lengthy and acclaimed recording and composition career, blending elements of jazz, free improvisation, and contemporary classical music. — Hannah Malach, Billboard, "Executive Turntable: Moves at Q&A, Warner Records, Big Loud/Maverick & More," 16 Aug. 2019 Many of the greatest comedians are more known for their writing, improvisation and collaboration than their stand-up performances. — Michael Dumas, al, "Mobile Comedy Fest debuts for those who live to laugh," 8 Aug. 2019 First came a short atonal improvisation, just because, Lang explained. — Los Angeles Times, "Commentary: L.A. needs a summer music festival. Piano Spheres and Monday Evening Concerts show the way," 30 July 2019 Tom Reed: Reed, like Custer, cut his comic teeth in improvisation at Minneapolis’ Brave New Workshop. — Dominic P. Papatola, Twin Cities, "Tips from a longtime Fringe-goer to help you choose shows," 29 July 2019 Dungeons & Dragons is by nature a game of improvisation and collaboration, so a lot of the comedy in The Adventure Zone podcast consisted of off-the-cuff riffing and spontaneous idea generation. — Daniel Menegaz, EW.com, "The Adventure Zone," 16 July 2019 The group’s live show often includes impressive improvisation sessions, dance-offs and covers of popular tunes. — Anne Nickoloff, cleveland.com, "Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue to play Akron show," 7 Aug. 2019 For the final quarter of their set, the band’s fevered, crunchy improvisations bred a full-on dance party, with fans of all ages getting in on the fun. — Natalie Weiner, Billboard, "Herbie Hancock & Cecile McLorin Salvant Among 9 Best Moments at 2019 Newport Jazz Festival," 5 Aug. 2019 The creative improvisation caught on and became a revered local drink in its own right, eventually leading Van Giang to open his own shop, Giảng Cafe, which has since become a national attraction in the city. — Anna Ben Yehuda Rahmanan, Fortune, "Vietnamese Egg Coffee Is Taking North America by Storm–but What Is It?," 3 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improvisation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for improvisation
improvisation
noun
im·pro·vi·sa·tion
| \ im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of improvisation
1
: the act or art of speaking or performing without practicing or preparing ahead of time
2
: something that is improvised
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