AD-LIBS Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

ad-libs 1 of 2

noun

plural of ad-lib

as in improvisations

something that is performed, made, or done without preparation you would never suspect that that stirring speech was an ad-lib

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ad-libs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of ad-lib

as in improvises

to perform, make, or do without preparation had to ad-lib constructing a piñata because she'd never actually seen it being done

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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-libs

Verb

Recently, Chance The Rapper told DJ Bootleg Kev about Mac playing a vital role in one of his most famous ad-libs, noting that the moment occurred during an LA recording session with Chuck Inglish. — Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025 Urban often ad-libs comments when performing the song live. — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 2 Oct. 2025 Between the ad-libs to start the cut and rapping over drill 808s mixed with Jersey club, Cardi appears to be taking a page out of the Ice Spice playbook. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ad-libs

Noun

And its deft balance between free-wheeling improvisations and stop-on-a-dime dynamic precision, fire and finesse, never fails to impress.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026
No distractions or improvisations.

— Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 15 May 2026

Definition of improvisations

Verb

Xi is not a transactional politician who improvises policy on a whim, who posts his intentions on social media, or changes his mind in the meeting.

— Michael Sheridan, Vanity Fair, 8 Apr. 2026
History shows that such a regime escalates, improvises and takes risks that appear irrational from an outside perspective but are entirely rational from within.

— Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2026

Definition of improvises

Verb

The British-American actress plays Hannah, a music student who devises a fake dating scheme with hockey star Garrett (Belmont Cameli) to catch the attention of her crush, Justin (Josh Heuston).

— Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Six men are eaten by the Cyclops before Odysseus devises a plan to escape from the cave they are trapped in.

— Gitanjali Roy, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 June 2026

Definition of devises

Verb

Driver’s character concocts a way for the duo to start an environmental business together as Russians, largely the mafia, are involved in recalibrating a canal in New York City.

— Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 May 2026
The bleak tortures Ohm concocts for his characters are as vile as the Bilberry’s fetid jacuzzi.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Definition of concocts

Verb

In the final episode, they are reunited after Agent Kim fakes his death to escape international accountability for his past acts of espionage.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 27 July 2026
When Bella unexpectedly dies, Ricky fakes his own death and runs off into the woods, forcing Hector to track him down.

— Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 13 July 2026

Definition of fakes

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ad-libbing

ad-libs

admeasure

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“Ad-libs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ad-libs. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ad-libs

noun

verb

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