improvise

verb

im·​pro·​vise ˈim-prə-ˌvīz How to pronounce improvise (audio)
 also  ˌim-prə-ˈvīz
improvised; improvising

transitive verb

1
: to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
2
: to make, invent, or arrange offhand
the quarterback improvised a play
3
: to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand
improvise a meal

intransitive verb

: to improvise something
improviser noun
or improvisor
ˈim-prə-ˌvī-zər How to pronounce improvise (audio)
ˌim-prə-ˈvī-

Examples of improvise in a Sentence

If you forget any of your lines, try to improvise. Good jazz musicians know how to improvise. He had to improvise his opening speech when he forgot his notes. The trumpet player performed an improvised solo. I wasn't expecting guests, so I had to improvise a meal with what I had in my refrigerator.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Zoning, including single-family-exclusive zoning, first spread across the US in the early 20th century (before that, development was far more freewheeling and improvised). Marina Bolotnikova, Vox, 7 July 2025 The Russians have improvised a foot crossing over the gap with three logs the size of telegraph poles. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Measuring himself against the legendary Orson Welles (whose 1938 radio broadcast of Conrad’s story was an influence) meant that Coppola would dare combine personal fears and national hubris (even improvising a reenactment of the My Lai massacre). Armond White, National Review, 4 July 2025 Fynn is described as being willing to listen to ideas and can improvise when necessary. Andy Humbles, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for improvise

Word History

Etymology

French improviser, from Italian improvvisare, from improvviso sudden, from Latin improvisus, literally, unforeseen, from in- + provisus, past participle of providēre to see ahead — more at provide

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvise was in 1788

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Improvise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvise. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

improvise

verb
im·​pro·​vise ˌim-prə-ˈvīz How to pronounce improvise (audio)
ˈim-prə-ˌvīz
improvised; improvising
1
: to compose, recite, play, or sing without preparation
2
: to make, invent, or arrange on the spur of the moment or without planning
the quarterback improvised a play
3
: to make out of what is conveniently on hand
improvise a bed from leaves and straw
improviser noun
or improvisor
-ˈvī-zər,
-ˌvī-

More from Merriam-Webster on improvise

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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