as in impromptu
something that is performed, made, or done without preparation that comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation

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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 improvisation On another project, Dutch audiovisual experts collaborated with French-only contractors, a mix that required not just translation, but diplomacy and improvisation. Nathanael Bondu, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025 Rather than traditional auditions, Yoon conducted improvisation workshops where actors didn’t initially know their roles. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 The fights encouraged improvisation, with Bond shooting guns and throwing them (and other objects in the environment) at enemies. Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2025 The trio regrouped with nearly a dozen other musicians in the studio, fixating on improvisation. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for improvisation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for improvisation
improv
Noun
  • These are great comedians, working up their scenes, as before, from hours of improv.
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 2025
  • My only real defense was Sue, one of the jesterlike presenters, who shielded me and did a remarkable, jazzlike expletive improv until everyone gave up trying to film.
    Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Improvisation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improvisation. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.

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