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

Project participants worked in acrylic paint, and Follett — who designed the mural using digital mockups and pencil drawings oversaw its execution — welcomed improvisation. —Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025

If the first volume was a statement of intent, this second issue feels like an improvisation. —Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 16 Sep. 2025

One bit of improvisation early in the second quarter stood out most, when Nix escaped pressure, rolled to his left, and found Franklin streaking down the sideline for 42 yards. —Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025

Joan Laporta’s presidency has been characterised by improvisation and short-term calls, which often just kick problems further down the road. —Pol Ballus, New York Times, 10 Sep. 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