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Synonyms

improvisation

American  
[im-prov-uh-zey-shuhn, im-pruh-vuh-] / ɪmˌprɒv əˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌɪm prə və- /

noun

  1. the art or act of improvising, or of composing, uttering, executing, or arranging anything without previous preparation.

    Musical improvisation involves imagination and creativity.

  2. something improvised.

    The actor's improvisation in Act II was both unexpected and amazing.


Other Word Forms

  • improvisational adjective

Etymology

Origin of improvisation

First recorded in 1780–90; improvise + -ation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The comedy and improvisation performer died at home in Los Angeles on Monday having undergone treatment for cancer since 2022, US media reported.

From BBC

His work, like his life, seemed like a running improvisation, and the prose work that became “A Child’s Christmas in Wales” offers a nod to the author’s off-the-cuff sensibility.

From The Wall Street Journal

His blends of tenderness and ferocity, and of notated music and improvisation, inspired goals to which musicians still strive.

From The Wall Street Journal

He didn’t write down his own part; he needed room for freedom and improvisation.

From Los Angeles Times

The improvisation petered out after more than an hour with no sense of arrival, just an agreeable sensation of being OK in wherever ambient world you had just landed.

From Los Angeles Times