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.
Many look-alikes will simply turn up and look like their doppelgänger, but Oliver embodies Brent for hours and hours, quoting beloved routines from The Office and improvising in character himself. Ralph Jones, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 Sometimes, the pianist is front and center, improvising with energy and creativity, while the drummer and bassist lay back, providing the foundation. Brian Bartes, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Morrissey’s films, in contrast, contained more character and narrative (not to mention camera movement), though his films were still out there — with the dialogue often improvised and the stories strange and discursive. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2024 An undisclosed number of people were forced to sleep in airports or improvise road trips with strangers to salvage their holidays. Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near improvise

Cite this Entry

“Improvise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvise. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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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