improvisation
noun
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
-shə-nᵊl,
ˌim-prə-və-
also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-
\
adjective
Synonyms for improvisation
Synonyms
ad-lib, extemporization, impromptu, improv
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Examples of improvisation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Her language is part chamber jazz, part big-boned rock percussion, part free improvisation. — New York Times, "14 Pop, Rock and Jazz Concerts to Check Out in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 12 July 2018 The very nature of jazz brings people together—the whole idea of improvisation. — Jordannah Elizabeth, Chicago Reader, "Music The first black leader of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, Heather Ireland Robinson, talks segregation and infrastructure," 30 Mar. 2018 Getting a dozen musicians to play tightly together and to still be nimble enough to allow for improvisation and freedom is a feat the TTB pulls off. — John Adamian, courant.com, "Tedeschi Trucks And Jay Critch Are Just Two Of This Week's Must-See Shows," 2 July 2018 The performing arts summer camp includes instruction, classes and workshops in voice, dance, comedy improvisation, songwriting, performance techniques, sound and lighting. — Linda Mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Daughters of American Revolution keep marching ...community news," 12 July 2018 The Berklee in Puerto Rico program provides access to the Berklee method of music education, encompassing theory, ear training, improvisation, ensemble performance and instrumental instruction. — Justino Aguila, Billboard, "Berklee College of Music Provides Puerto Rican Musicians $1.5 Million in Scholarships," 21 June 2018 There’s some wild and woolly improvisation, some daring interpretation, but also a clear sense of fidelity to these themes. — Larry Blumenfeld, WSJ, "A Personal Statement Turned Ritual Music," 5 June 2018 British reedist Shabaka Hutchings, a dynamo rooted in jazz, is an agile and curious musician who spreads his soulfully biting improvisation across wildly disparate projects. — Peter Margasak, Chicago Reader, "British reedist Shabaka Hutchings brings his Caribbean-flavored jazz quartet Sons of Kemet to Chicago," 21 June 2018 The electronics, controlled by Scott Worthington, included recordings of improvisations by Gidon Kremer heard straight and electronically altered along with background studio noises. — Mark Swed, latimes.com, "Beethoven rolls over at the Ojai Music Festival," 8 June 2018These 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
\
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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