improvisation
/ˌɪmprəˌvɪˈzeɪʃən/ · im·prov·i·a·tion
noun
- The act or art of composing and performing music, poetry, or other works spontaneously, without prior preparation. His improvisation on the piano impressed everyone at the concert.
- Something that is improvised; an impromptu performance or piece. The comedian's improvisation kept the audience laughing for minutes.
- A musical technique, especially characteristic of blues, involving spontaneous creation of melody or rhythm. Blues guitarists rely on improvisation to give each solo a unique feel.
Synonyms
extemporizationspontaneityimpromptuad‑liboff‑the‑cuff remarkwing‑itimprovisatory acton‑the‑spot creation
Antonyms
Did you know? The word gained particular fame in the 1940s when jazz musicians used it to describe the free‑form solos that defined the bebop era.