improvise

1 of 2

verb

im·​pro·​vise ˈim-prə-ˌvīz 

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 

ˌim-prə-ˈvī-

improviser

2 of 2

noun

im·​pro·​vis·​er

variants or improvisor

-zə(r) 

plural -s

: one that improvises

Synonyms of improvise

Verb

• devise
• concoct
• extemporize

Examples of improvise in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

The goal is to create a space that feels lived-in, not improvised. — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 12 July 2026

Inspired by childhood memories of Margam, South Wales, the piece began life as a melody Hopkins improvised backstage at Liverpool Playhouse in 1963. — Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 10 July 2026

Eugene Levy‘s fumbling birds and the bees talks comprise some of the funniest moments of American Pie — and most of them were improvised. — Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 9 July 2026

Documentation is minimal, and architecture is often improvised. — Oleg Lola, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

1788, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for improvise

• advertise
• aggrandize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize
• butterflies

Kids Definition

improvise

verb

im·​pro·​vise ˌim-prə-ˈvīz 

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-