improvise
verb
im·pro·vise
ˈim-prə-ˌvīz 
also ˌim-prə-ˈvīz
improvised; improvising
1
: to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
2
: to make, invent, or arrange offhand
the quarterback improvised a play
3
: to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand
improvise a meal
: to improvise something
Examples of improvise in a Sentence
If you forget any of your lines, try to improvise.
Good jazz musicians know how to improvise.
He had to improvise his opening speech when he forgot his notes.
The trumpet player performed an improvised solo.
I wasn't expecting guests, so I had to improvise a meal with what I had in my refrigerator.
Recent Examples on the Web
At one point, the boat’s mainsail yard snapped, forcing Jarrett and his crew to improvise a solution using only Viking-era materials.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
When he’s pressured or forced to improvise, though, issues pop up.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 21 May 2025
At one point, she was asked to put down the sides and improvise.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 May 2025
Galifianakis and Magnussen, who have shined in funny roles in the past, were not allowed to improvise.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for improvise
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Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 22 May 2025
When he’s pressured or forced to improvise, though, issues pop up.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 21 May 2025
At one point, she was asked to put down the sides and improvise.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 21 May 2025
Galifianakis and Magnussen, who have shined in funny roles in the past, were not allowed to improvise.
—Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for improvise
Cite this Entry
“Improvise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvise. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
improvise
verb
im·pro·vise
ˌim-prə-ˈvīz
ˈim-prə-ˌvīz
improvised; improvising
1
: to compose, recite, play, or sing without preparation
2
: to make, invent, or arrange on the spur of the moment or without planning
the quarterback improvised a play
3
: to make out of what is conveniently on hand
improvise a bed from leaves and straw
improviser
noun
or improvisor
-ˈvī-zər,
-ˌvī-
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