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improvise

verb
im·​pro·​vise | \ ˈim-prÉ™-ËŒvÄ«z also ËŒim-prÉ™-ˈvÄ«z How to pronounce improvise (audio) \
improvised; improvising

Definition of improvise

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
Other Words from improvise Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about improvise

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Other Words from improvise

improviser or improvisor \ ˈim-​prÉ™-​ËŒvÄ«-​zÉ™r How to pronounce improvisor (audio) , ËŒim-​prÉ™-​ˈvÄ«-​ \ noun

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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Jericho showcased his seemingly innate ability to improvise and capitalize upon any opportunity, and his social media posts and videos helped transform the story into a massive gain for the company. — Justin Barrasso, SI.com, "Cody Rhodes to Challenge Chris Jericho for AEW Title at 'Full Gear'," 5 Sep. 2019 One of his strengths is his ability to improvise and scramble when a play breaks down but that's when a quarterback becomes fair game for on-rushing defenders. — Michelle Gardner, azcentral, "ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels lukewarm in own assessment of his first game," 2 Sep. 2019 In aptitude, Roethlisberger warranted a slight edge over Rivers, it could be argued, because of his rare ability to improvise. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: After big deal for Big Ben, what’s Chargers QB Philip Rivers worth?," 20 June 2019 For Your Consideration As with any Christopher Guest film, much of the dialogue and plot of this mockumentary is improvised by the cast. — Vogue, "13 Movies You Totally Forgot Were Set on Thanksgiving," 22 Nov. 2018 Our cars, our tents, and ourselves improvised a city, 22nd largest in the United States, and the fact of this city, its weather, its privations, its confusion, and its civility, dominated our senses. — Philip P. Ardery Jr., National Review, "Upon a Time in Woodstock," 10 Aug. 2019 People can meet up and hang out and improvise in VR, so the information exchange is real and not illusory. — Michael Calore, WIRED, "Strap on Your Exoskeleton and Dance, Dance, Dance," 30 July 2019 So Miss Manners wishes people would stop improvising. — Judith Martin, Washington Post, "Miss Manners: Award recipients are not really ‘humbled’," 10 June 2019 So Miss Manners wishes people would stop improvising. — Judith Martin, The Mercury News, "Miss Manners: Please stop saying you’re ‘humbled’ if you don’t know what it means," 10 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improvise.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of improvise

1788, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for improvise

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

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More Definitions for improvise

improvise

verb
How to pronounce improvise (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of improvise

: to speak or perform without preparation
: to make or create (something) by using whatever is available

See the full definition for improvise in the English Language Learners Dictionary

improvise

verb
im·​pro·​vise | \ ˈim-prÉ™-ËŒvÄ«z How to pronounce improvise (audio) \
improvised; improvising

Kids Definition of improvise

1 : to speak or perform without preparing ahead of time I improvised a song on the spot.
2 : to make, invent, or arrange by using whatever is available … Cluny sat beneath an awning that had been improvised from the damaged tent.— Brian Jacques, Redwall

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More from Merriam-Webster on improvise

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with improvise

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for improvise

Spanish Central: Translation of improvise

Nglish: Translation of improvise for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of improvise for Arabic Speakers

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