as in improvised
to perform, make, or do without preparation
had to ad-lib constructing a piñata because she'd never actually seen it being done
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ad-libbed
Verb
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The works of Rower’s grandfather, taken together, have an accidental, artisanal air—more like toys improvised and reassembled than objects weighed down by deliberation.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025 -
Apatow likes to point out, swelling with pride, that then-8-year-old Maude completely improvised her character’s hilarious explanation of where babies come from in Knocked Up.—
Adrienne LaFrance,
The Atlantic,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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To solve this problem, materials scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have concocted a new sunscreen recipe that spares the ocean’s vital microorganisms.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
4 Sep. 2025
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On paper, Dallas has the tools to do just that, but NBA insider Zach Buckley, of Bleacher Report, has concocted a trade proposal that sees the Mavericks strengthen their forward position.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Subsequent reports revealed that Bolsonaro and his allies had devised a baroque plot to regain power, which included jailing and possibly murdering their political opponents.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
10 Sep. 2025
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The sum seems devised by the author to test Isabella and find her out.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The identification could be faked.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Kahuku was on the 7-yard line when Mariteragi rolled out and faked a handoff before throwing the ball back against the grain to wide open tight end Rhino Aumua for the touchdown with 32 seconds left, cutting the lead to 8-7.—
Dan Arritt,
Oc Register,
6 Sep. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Ad-libbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ad-libbed. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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