impromptu 1 of 3

adjective

im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü How to pronounce impromptu (audio)
Definition of impromptunext
as in improvised
made or done without previous thought or preparation our dinner guest thanked us with an impromptu song

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

impromptu

2 of 3

noun

as in improvisation
something that is performed, made, or done without preparation although five different lines had been written, the best choice turned out to be an impromptu from the tired actor himself

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

impromptu

3 of 3

adverb

as in spontaneously

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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 impromptu
Adjective
Sterling Nasa proceeded to stun composer-conductor Justin Hurwitz and the 2,000-person audience with his flawless, impromptu performance. — Tim Greiving, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 At one point, the camera zooms in on the pup happily trotting across the hillside with its tail wagging after completing its impromptu mission. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Spelling noted that Swank returned from an impromptu meeting with show producer Paul Waigner. — Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026 Hansard was also the organizer behind what became known as the Christmas Eve Busk, impromptu performances on Grafton Street in Dublin to raise money for the homeless community. — Katie Kindelan, ABC News, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impromptu
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impromptu
  1. improvised
  2. improvisation
  3. spontaneously
  4. improvisational
  5. haphazardly
  6. automatically
  7. abruptly
Adjective
  • Likewise, the respite afforded by the twin hydration breaks has also reduced the need for improvised periods of gentlemanly repose, which in turn has lessened the demand for the chilly spray.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 17 July 2026
  • Outside hospitals, temporary shelters and improvised morgues, relatives continue posting photographs and names of missing family members on social media, hoping someone might recognize them or provide information about their fate.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Definition of improvised
Noun
  • Several generations of jam bands cite Little Feat as foundational, although almost none has come close to matching the group’s seamless stylistic range and command of percolating grooves and noodling-free improvisations.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Teaching nursery school during the day, Forti spent her evenings studying improvisation and composition at night at the Merce Cunningham Studio under musicologist Robert Ellis Dunn, who introduced her to the work of avant-garde composer John Cage.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 29 July 2026
Definition of improvisation
Adverb
  • Perry said he was shot in the hand during the struggle, but eventually got control of the gun, which fired spontaneously while the victim was sitting on the ground.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
  • Innovations do not spontaneously emerge from the minds of exceptional individuals.
    — Michael Muthukrishna, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Definition of spontaneously
Adjective
  • This reflects the improvisational attitude that Pan, who has released several albums, first developed as a genre-defying musician and composer.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 31 July 2026
  • Kiesler and his heirs envisioned architecture that would make the arts more available, provisional, improvisational, democratic, and participatory, more playful and less aloof.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026
Definition of improvisational
Adverb
  • Not Considering the Plant’s Future Avoid pruning haphazardly without carefully evaluating the situation first.
    — Samantha Johnson, Martha Stewart, 16 July 2026
  • Hanging your art and photos haphazardly is a quick way to make your collection feel more chaotic than inspiring.
    — Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 11 July 2026
Definition of haphazardly
Adverb
  • If a parent denies permission, the platform will automatically revert to a chronological feed of posts shared by people the child already follows, resembling social media apps before the rise of algorithms.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Funding programs should automatically pair financial awards with practical training in pricing strategies, direct sales, financial management, and customer acquisition.
    — AllBusiness, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of automatically
Adverb
  • One leaves abruptly, her designer purse slamming against a bystander.
    — Dina Cheney, Washington Post, 2 Aug. 2026
  • And, George, the Senate Judiciary Committee, back to Blanche, has rescheduled his confirmation vote for Tuesday after it was abruptly postponed last week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of abruptly

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impromptu
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on impromptu

Nglish: Translation of impromptu for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impromptu

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