ad-libbing

verb

Pronunciation: /ˈæd.lɪb/

Definition

Speak or perform without preparation or a written script.

Examples

• The comedian decided to ad-lib his entire set based on audience suggestions.

• She was so nervous that she couldn't ad-lib a single coherent sentence during the interview.

• The director encouraged the cast to ad-lib during the rehearsal to make the dialogue feel more natural.

How to Use ad-libbing

ad-lib something (collocation)

To improvise a specific thing (like a speech or line). — "He had to ad-lib his lines when the teleprompter broke."

ad-lib about something (prepositional phrase)

To improvise while talking about a specific topic. — "The speaker began to ad-lib about his childhood when the slides stopped working."

Synonyms of ad-libbing

Words with a similar meaning to ad-libbing:

• improvise
• wing it
• extemporize
• speak off the cuff

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