Improvise

/ˈɪmprəvaɪz/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To create or perform something spontaneously or without preparation.

During the talent show, she had to improvise her dance routine when the music stopped unexpectedly.

To make something up on the spot using whatever resources are available.

When the team lost their props for the skit, they had to improvise using everyday items from around the classroom.

To perform music or a theatrical piece without written notes or a script.

The jazz musicians love to improvise, creating new melodies as they play.

From French 'improviser', from Latin 'improvisus', meaning 'unforeseen'.

improvise on the spot

to create something in a spontaneous manner without planning.

improvise a solution

to quickly come up with a way to solve a problem using available resources.

extemporize

to compose or perform something without preparation.

ad-lib

to perform or speak without preparing or planning ahead.

Wing it

I didn't study for the exam, so I'm just going to wing it.

Make it up as you go

We didn't have a plan for the meeting, so we just made it up as we went.