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

The emperor mastered a new form of warfare, one that stressed concentrated force, improvisation, speed and surprise. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The reason is that much work in the real world is invisible, involving workarounds, improvisations, and social networks. —Jim Euchner, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

There is less position-swapping, less room for improvisation. —Jack Lang, New York Times, 27 June 2025

There are also some parallels with jazz music, like collaboration, harmonization and improvisation around seasonal ingredients. —Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 12 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