improvisation
noun
, ˌim-prə-və- also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-\
Definition of improvisation
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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
Tyshawn Sorey Photo: John Rogers That sense of fluidity between notions of composition and improvisation is central in a different way within Tyshawn Sorey’s music. — Larry Blumenfeld, WSJ, "‘Igbó Alákorin (The Singer’s Grove), Vol. I & II’ by David Virelles and ‘Pillars’ by Tyshawn Sorey Reviews," 29 Oct. 2018 But Browning’s improvisation has been equally impressive at times, like this drive-extending scramble to find Andre Baccellia. — Seattle Times Sports Staff, The Seattle Times, "Rose Bowl GameCenter: Live updates, highlights from UW Huskies’ loss to Ohio State," 1 Jan. 2019 For even with a rotating cast of musicians, the Recession Seven continues to celebrate classic swing music with fidelity to its stylistic demands, but also with the verve and freedom of in-the-moment jazz improvisation. — Howard Reich, chicagotribune.com, "Petra van Nuis celebrates the art of swing," 14 June 2018 In this and other pieces, Morton achieved a remarkable integration of improvisation, spontaneity and variety. — John Edward Hasse, WSJ, "Plotting His Way Into Jazz History," 7 Sep. 2018 His 1920s recordings with the Red Hot Peppers reached the peak of the New Orleans style of group embellishment and collective improvisation, with its trademark heterophony and polyphony. — John Edward Hasse, WSJ, "Plotting His Way Into Jazz History," 7 Sep. 2018 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 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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improvisation
noun
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