as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
caught by surprise, I had to make an extemporaneous speech at the awards banquet
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Recent Examples of extemporaneous
The winners of Monday’s, Tuesday’s, and Wednesday’s shows went on to compete Thursday for bestest extemporaneous cultural critic.
—
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
And Jonathan said, as [he’s being choked], was this extemporaneous?
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
That might explain why the Portland-via-Fort Lauderdale post-hardcore band performs with such extemporaneous vigor on Deep Sage, thrashing and flailing in a release of anger that trades blind rage for determined revenge.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
If extemporaneous speaking is challenging, consider an improv class.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for extemporaneous
Bethy Squires, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
And Jonathan said, as [he’s being choked], was this extemporaneous?
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024
That might explain why the Portland-via-Fort Lauderdale post-hardcore band performs with such extemporaneous vigor on Deep Sage, thrashing and flailing in a release of anger that trades blind rage for determined revenge.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 4 Dec. 2024
If extemporaneous speaking is challenging, consider an improv class.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024
See All Example Sentences for extemporaneous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extemporaneous
Adjective
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This adds a layer of spontaneity to your dating life, increasing the potential for chemistry and impromptu love stories that catch you by surprise.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Stock up on this frozen item to serve at impromptu parties.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Their fans, known as Deadheads, would tour along from city to city and revel in the constantly changing set lists, extended soloing and improvisational jamming that gave each show a unique flavor.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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Their music — called acid rock at its inception — would pull in blues, jazz, country, folk and psychedelia in long improvisational jams at their concerts.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Mochrie then performs an improvised comedy act with the semi-conscious volunteers.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
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This writing had an intimate, improvised feel and often took a looser approach to craft; much of it was written with performance in mind.—
Rosa Lyster,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Extemporaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extemporaneous. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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