ad hoc

adjective

Definition of ad hocnext
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation upon learning that it was her birthday, we had an ad hoc celebration right there in the restaurant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of ad hoc Advisory councils and ad hoc committees of external scientists approve new research priorities, provide a second-level review of grants, and advise the agency in setting scientific directions. — Mark Histed, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026 The tentative deal, known as an Enhanced City Resources Master Agreement, goes before the council’s ad hoc committee on the Olympic Games on Tuesday, then to the full council. — David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 Enter Jimmy Cialella and John Denisi, who renovated the deli and formalized Phil’s formerly ad hoc menu with Jake Santini, a Southwest Philly savant. — Adam Erace, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026 An ad hoc subcommittee consisting of board members Kevin Hastings, Tracy Dezenzo and Greg Diamond was formed June 2 to consolidate and expand last year’s recommendations to be presented to the full board for possible adoption at its meeting Tuesday, July 7. — Steven Mihailovich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ad hoc
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ad hoc
  1. impromptu
  2. improvised
  3. improvisational
Adjective
  • Arepas and coffee anchor impromptu support circles, as grieving customers cling to fragile hope for the missing.
    — Melody Xu, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • An impromptu blind date with a handsome rapist ends with Esther punching him square in the nose, his blood gushing through her fingers.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 July 2026
Definition of impromptu
Adjective
  • Outside hospitals, temporary shelters and improvised morgues, relatives continue posting photographs and names of missing family members on social media, hoping someone might recognize them or provide information about their fate.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • An improvised rescue operation is searching for survivors after Venezuela’s historic earthquakes.
    — Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 1 July 2026
Definition of improvised
Adjective
  • Leigh is known for making films in a collaborative, improvisational process with his performers and has stayed close with O’Flynn through the years.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 29 June 2026
  • The 34th annual edition of this popular festival, which focuses on improvisational, funk, roots and various styles of jam band music, takes place at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
Definition of improvisational

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adhesives
ad hoc
adieu
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Cite this Entry

“Ad hoc.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ad%20hoc. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ad hoc

Nglish: Translation of ad hoc for Spanish Speakers

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