ad-lib Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun remark made spontaneously without prior preparation
    • his ad-libs got him in trouble with the politicians
  2. verb perform without preparation
    improvise; extemporize; improvize; extemporise.
    • he extemporized a speech at the wedding
  3. adjective satellite with little or no preparation or forethought
    extemporaneous; extempore; offhand; offhanded; extemporary; unrehearsed; impromptu; off-the-cuff.
    • his ad-lib comments showed poor judgment
    • an extemporaneous piano recital
    • an extemporary lecture
    • an extempore skit
    • an impromptu speech
    • offhand excuses
    • trying to sound offhanded and reassuring
    • an off-the-cuff toast
    • a few unrehearsed comments
  4. adjective satellite said or done without having been planned or written in advance
    unwritten; spontaneous.
    • he made a few ad-lib remarks

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