ad-lib
verb
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Definition of ad-lib
(Entry 1 of 3)
: to deliver spontaneously
: to improvise especially lines or a speech
ad-lib
adjectiveDefinition of ad-lib (Entry 2 of 3)
: spoken, composed, or performed without preparation
ad lib
adverbDefinition of ad lib (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : in accordance with one's wishes
2 : without restraint or limit
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Synonyms & Antonyms for ad-lib
Synonyms: Verb
clap (together or up), extemporize, fake, improvise
Synonyms: Adjective
ad hoc, extemporaneous, extemporary, extempore, impromptu, improvisational, improvised, off-the-cuff, offhand, offhanded, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed, unstudied
Antonyms: Adjective
considered, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepared, rehearsed
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Examples of ad-lib in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb
Brad had better anticipation and less arm strength, but Randall has a bigger arm and could ad lib and do other things that other quarterbacks can’t do. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "The Greatest Team Never to Make It: An Oral History of the 1998 Vikings," 27 June 2018 The song features the trio’s usual choppy, ad lib-heavy flow, but paired with a refreshingly melodic, video game-sounding trap beat, complete with a synth crooning quietly in the back. — Natalie Maher, Billboard, "Migos Drop 'Supastars,' Latest Cut From Upcoming 'Culture II' Album," 22 Jan. 2018 Trump's ad lib diplomacy may be partly in response to that dearth of good information. — Philip Elliott, Time, "Kim Jong Un Isn't the Only Wild Card In the North Korea Crisis," 7 Sep. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ad-lib.' 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 ad-lib
ad-lib
verb
English Language Learners Definition of ad-lib
: to make up words or music in a performance instead of saying or playing something that has been planned
ad-lib
verbKids Definition of ad-lib
: to make up something and especially music or spoken lines during a performance : improvise
ad-lib
adjective
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Medical Definition of ad-lib
(Entry 1 of 2)
: made or done spontaneously : not controlled by a schedule ad-lib feeding of animals
ad lib
adverb
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Medical Definition of ad lib (Entry 2 of 2)
: without restraint or imposed limit : as much or as often as is wanted the animals were given water ad lib — Science —often used in writing prescriptions
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