Synonyms of improvise

improvise

verb

ˈim-prə-ˌvīz 

as in to devise

to perform, make, or do without preparation

since the award was a complete surprise, I improvised an acceptance speech

Synonyms & Similar Words

• devise
• concoct
• extemporize
• fake
• ad-lib
• manufacture
• clap (together or up)
• invent
• hatch
• contrive
• think (up)
• cook (up)
• fabricate
• make up
• dash (off)
• cobble (together or up)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prepare
• ready
• arrange
• lay
• consider
• study
• practice
• exercise
• contemplate
• ponder
• rehearse

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of improvise

Drawing on his background in documentary film, Davis worked without a traditional script, allowing the cast to improvise and bring themselves to their roles. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026

Because the therapy is off-label, insurance routinely denies coverage, forcing clinicians and patients to improvise — a frustration that Dombo experienced firsthand. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

After that kitchen scene, his character heads to work but slips in the driveway, which McDonald said was completely improvised. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

The people who had improvised their way through 2016 had a playbook by 2020. — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026