improvised

[im-pruh-vahyzd]

adjective

1. made or said without previous preparation.

   an improvised skit.

   Synonyms: unprepared, unrehearsed, unpremeditated

Other Word Forms

• improvisedly adverb
• unimprovised adjective
• well-improvised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvised¹

First recorded in 1830–40; improvise + -ed ²

Synonym Study

See extemporaneous.

Example Sentences

Hamas members later surrounded a large area where more than 300 Dughmush gunmen were believed to be holed up, armed with machine guns and improvised explosives.

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Authorities found a suspected improvised explosive device and evidence the suspects were planning to use a drone during searches in Deurne, Antwerp, close to the prime minister's private residence.

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The Dodgers improvised their way to a title last October, with three starting pitchers and four bullpen games.

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An improvised fireless slow cooker is built from little more than a wooden box, expanding foam, and a yoga mat - and it works.

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This collaboration was recorded with no rehearsals and improvised in single takes.

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Related Words

• impromptu 
• makeshift 
• spontaneous