improvisation

noun

im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
ˌim-prə-və-
also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-
Synonyms of improvisationnext
1
: the act or art of improvising
2
: something (such as a musical or dramatic composition) improvised
improvisational
(ˌ)im-ˌprä-və-ˈzā-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
ˌim-prə-və-
also ˌim-prə-(ˌ)vī-
adjective
improvisationally adverb

Synonyms of improvisation

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Examples of improvisation in a Sentence

that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There would be no improvisation. — John Hope Bryant, Time, 23 June 2026 Reid can create in transition and off the blue line with his feet and creativity, showing high-end improvisation skills. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 26 June 2026 But improvisation is a good word because a jazz player can be incredibly precise, leave nothing to chance and yet be totally free to improvise. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 King’s greatest talent as an orator was improvisation. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for improvisation

Word History

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvisation was in 1777

Rhymes for improvisation

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Browse Nearby Words

improvisate
improvisation
improvisator
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Cite this Entry

“Improvisation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvisation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

improvisation

noun
im·​pro·​vi·​sa·​tion (ˌ)im-ˌpräv-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
ˌim-prə-və-
1
: the act or art of improvising
2
: something that is improvised
improvisational
-shnəl How to pronounce improvisation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on improvisation

Nglish: Translation of improvisation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about improvisation

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