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
-
Come for just an evening show, or stay longer on the campgrounds for a chance to catch an impromptu fireside jam session.—
Mars Salazar,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
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With both Erik Spoelstra and Kel’el Ware having offered their thoughts on Spoelstra’s impromptu criticism of Ware last week, the fundamental element of the incident has not change, namely Ware’s lacking of playing time.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Audiences can expect an energetic evening as Asriel Davis and Isaiah Shim showcase their technical skill and improvisational style at the keys.—
Susan Soldavin,
Baltimore Sun,
18 Jan. 2026
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Already a legendary comedian, Winters was famous for his improvisational genius long before joining Mork & Mindy.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Davis is a master of jazz, improvised music and both traditional and contemporary classical traditions.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Mochrie then performs an improvised comedy act with the semi-conscious volunteers.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Extemporaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extemporaneous. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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