improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-,

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised

improvisational

(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl 

ˌim-prə-və-

 also  ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-

adjective

improvisationally adverb

Synonyms

• impromptu
• improv

Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

Recent Examples on the Web

But through meticulous preparation, improvisation and long hours at the office, Black found holes in the opposition’s cases and proceeded to stretch them open, a Miami Herald reporter wrote in a 1999 profile. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 22 July 2025

This loose improvisation is what makes Shadows a particular joy to watch. —Devin Oktar Yalkin, Vulture, 15 July 2025

National Geographic’s new documentary, Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, provides a fascinating look into the tools, tech, and improvisation that helped a young Steven Spielberg turn catastrophe into cinematic innovation. —Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

He has long been encouraged to aim toward concision, especially in his longer numbers, in which his untiring improvisations can become exhausting in their many climaxes. —Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for improvisation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən 

ˌim-prə-və-

1

: the act or art of improvising

2

: something that is improvised

improvisational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective