as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation
stumbled through an improvised reply to an unexpected question at the press conference
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in devised
to perform, make, or do without preparation
since the award was a complete surprise, I improvised an acceptance speech
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of improvised
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
This writing had an intimate, improvised feel and often took a looser approach to craft; much of it was written with performance in mind.
—Rosa Lyster, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Carolina’s only touchdown came on an improvised Young scramble.
—Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 29 Dec. 2025
Our improvised team of rescuers communicated between the hut and the trail via Garmin InReach.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 24 Dec. 2025
While the pipe bombs did not detonate, both items were assessed as viable improvised explosive devices, police said.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
In nature, the three transform into swift reptilian beasts who romp and belt out improvised songs.
—E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 17 Dec. 2025
Four guns and three improvised explosive devices were found at the crime scene and two more guns were found in searches at homes, the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team said.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Dec. 2025
Authorities also found two improvised explosives at the scene, which the police commissioner said were later deactivated by police.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
Chris Willman, Variety, 3 Jan. 2026
Linklater used Dazed and Confused to continue developing his signature style — as seen in his first feature, Slacker (1990) — for making naturalistic movies crammed with contemporary dialogue, some of which was improvised by his cast.
—Lia Beck, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025
Australian authorities also said that the shooters had improvised explosives and homemade ISIS flags in their vehicle.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
Reinerologists would add This Is Spinal Tap to that run, his 1984 feature debut that was largely improvised by Reiner and co-stars Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025
Largely improvised, the film follows the spiraling fortunes of once-famous band Spinal Tap, chronicled by director Marty DiBergi, played by Reiner.
—Bill Goodykoontz, USA Today, 15 Dec. 2025
Refineries are adding improvised overhead netting and shielding, for instance.
—Tatiana Mitrova, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s when the quarterback improvised.
—Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Also, Dylan improvised in a way the Beatles didn’t.
—Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Mochrie then performs an improvised comedy act with the semi-conscious volunteers.
—Verb
He was joined on stage by his wife, Alexis Roderick, and introduced two young daughters, Della and Remy, who improvised dance routines throughout the crowd-rousing 12-minute cameo.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for improvised
Adjective
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This adds a layer of spontaneity to your dating life, increasing the potential for chemistry and impromptu love stories that catch you by surprise.—
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Stock up on this frozen item to serve at impromptu parties.—
Verb
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In the 19th century, the British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace devised his own theory of evolution, independent of Charles Darwin, while visiting the region to research his book, The Malay Archipelago.—
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And to that end, the Islamic Republic may have devised a failsafe for itself against popular anger.—
Adjective
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Their fans, known as Deadheads, would tour along from city to city and revel in the constantly changing set lists, extended soloing and improvisational jamming that gave each show a unique flavor.—
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Their music — called acid rock at its inception — would pull in blues, jazz, country, folk and psychedelia in long improvisational jams at their concerts.—
Verb
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In exchange for not being charged with a DUI, the family’s lawyer concocted a deal in which Skakel was sent to the controversial Élan School in Maine in an effort to correct his unruly behavior.—
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Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report concocted this trade idea that sees the Lakers land and shore up both their frontcourt and backcourt, the Dallas Mavericks duo of former All-Star Klay Thompson and Daniel Gafford.—
Verb
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Less than two minutes later, on a fast break, Jalen Douglas faked a shot, then dumped the ball down low to Sims, who scored on a layup.—
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The one where Hurts faked a handoff to Saquon Barkley, dropped back and unloaded a 46-yard strike to DeVonta Smith that was the final — well, dagger — in the Chiefs' bid for a three-peat and sent the Eagles on the way to the franchise's second Super Bowl championship.—
Cite this Entry
“Improvised.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/improvised. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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