Definition of extemporizenext
as in to improvise
to perform, make, or do without preparation a good talk show host has to be able to extemporize the interviews when things don't go as planned

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of extemporize The future, instead, seems to belong to the teams and coaches who are willing to be a little more flexible and see their role as providing a platform on which their players might extemporize. Rory Smith, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2023 Friends said he was talented and could extemporize about anything. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 24 Jan. 2023 Feel free to extemporize, enthuse and connect with people, rather than overwork the data. Palena Neale, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2021 In public appearances, Emanuel likes to extemporize, cajole, and find a connection. Connie Bruck, The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2021 That meant players were able to extemporize, to take chances without being accused of departing too far from the team playbook. San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for extemporize
Verb
  • The first one was improvised, and that one was more produced.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Types of dance typically include belly dance, ceremonial dance, disco, soul, free or improvised, Latin, novelty or fad, social dance, street dance, swing dance, and folk dance.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • So the study’s authors, led by Tuhin Chakrabarty, a professor of computer science at Stony Brook University, devised another check.
    Will Oremus, The Atlantic, 27 July 2026
  • Sarah Sherman Samuel is known for devising furniture worthy of an art show, and the Lulu and Georgia Hamilton sideboard is no exception.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Like, for instance, Loughlin, who paid Singer $500,000 to concoct fake row team credentials — and even stage phony rowing photos — to get her two daughters into USC.
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The cocktail menu leans into the couple’s heritage with some Argentine staples, including the El Clásico of Fernet and Coke and El Diego, concocted with sweet vermouth, Coke and a splash of whiskey.
    Rick West, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Extemporize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/extemporize. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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