to ad-lib

Examples

• All

• U2's Bono took it to a new worldwide audience in 1985 when he ad-libbed parts of the lyrics at Live Aid.

  Blog text (9)

• The last remark was ad libbed, apparently.

  Fiction book (1990)

• But feel free to ad-lib, OK?

  Nurse Betty (2000)

• I was ad-libbing like mad.

  Fiction book (2001)

• You know, this is all ad-libbed.

  Harry Brown (2009)

• Pretty brave kid, coming out here and ad-libbing with me and my three writers.

  The Joker is Wild (1957)

• You go out there and you improvise, you ad-lib.

  Beyond the Mat (1999)

• Did you know he ad-libbed the "Here's johnny" Line in "The shining"?

  Little Fish, Strange Pond (2009)

• On Dec 7, 1941, FDR ad-libbed a line.

  Blog text (31)

• Rick slipped his prepared speech into his program folder and ad-libbed.

  Fiction book (2001)

Synonyms

I

to improvise

vsto ad-lib

95 4.0

Do something without planning, using what you have

is focused on speaking or performing without prior preparation

W

to wing it

vsto ad-lib

• Informal

30 6.1

Do something without planning or preparation and improvise

is often used for quick unscripted lines during a performance

L

to lib

vsto ad-lib

• Informal

22 9.9

To make something up during a performance when not ready

is similar but can refer to short unscripted comments too

I

to improv

vsto ad-lib

• Informal

17 6.2

To perform without a script, making scenes or music on the spot

is broader, applying to unscripted speech beyond acting or music

F

to freestyle

vsto ad-lib

• Informal

8 4.1

To perform music, dance, or speech without planning and make it up as you go

is used more for general unscripted speaking, not only artistic acts

E

to extemporize

vsto ad-lib

1 9.0

To make or do something without planning

is more casual and used for brief unscripted remarks

Antonyms

P

prepared

∞ 1.3

Ready to use or do something when needed

How Spontaneous

to wing it

• Informal

30 6.1

to ad-lib

13 6.8

to read

∞ 1.0

to rehearse

264 3.5

Surface Forms

Etymology