ad-lib
1 of 3verb
ˈad-ˈlib 
ad-libbed; ad-libbing
transitive verb
: to deliver spontaneously
intransitive verb
: to improvise especially lines or a speech
ad-lib noun
ad-lib
2 of 3adjective
: spoken, composed, or performed without preparation
ad lib
3 of 3adverb
1
: in accordance with one's wishes
2
: without restraint or limit
Synonyms
Verb
- clap (together or up)
- extemporize
- fake
- improvise
Adjective
- ad hoc
- down and dirty
- extemporaneous
- extemporary
- extempore
- impromptu
- improvisational
- improvised
- off-the-cuff
- offhand
- offhanded
- snap
- spur-of-the-moment
- unconsidered
- unplanned
- unpremeditated
- unprepared
- unrehearsed
- unstudied
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2022 Susan, the comment, the ad lib heard round the world, literally. NBC News, 27 Mar. 2022 There apparently were an ad lib remark that Vladimir Putin just can't remain in power. NBC News, 27 Mar. 2022 Another challenge is that audience members are called up on stage, to be additional spellers in the bee, which requires, per the script, the ability to ad lib. Steve Smith, courant.com, 21 Oct. 2021 With his perfect presentation left back home, Knapp is forced to ad lib. Michael Chavez, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 To be repeated ad lib, to be put right when the curtain goes up in earnest. Madeleine Schwartz, The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2021 There might be formal lyrics, or participants might choose to ad lib, with others joining for the chorus, said Matthew Baya, a radio show host from Williamstown, Massachusetts. David Sharp, Star Tribune, 29 Jan. 2021 Travis Scott does the honors of the titular ad lib, and The Weeknd earned a credit as one of the songwriters (his demo was leaked in 2018). Billboard Staff, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2021 See More
Adverb
And that’s one of those wonderful moments where not being allowed to ad lib was a gift. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 19 July 2022 Susan, the comment, the ad lib heard round the world, literally. NBC News, 27 Mar. 2022 There apparently were an ad lib remark that Vladimir Putin just can't remain in power. NBC News, 27 Mar. 2022 Another challenge is that audience members are called up on stage, to be additional spellers in the bee, which requires, per the script, the ability to ad lib. Steve Smith, courant.com, 21 Oct. 2021 With his perfect presentation left back home, Knapp is forced to ad lib. Michael Chavez, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2021 To be repeated ad lib, to be put right when the curtain goes up in earnest. Madeleine Schwartz, The New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2021 There might be formal lyrics, or participants might choose to ad lib, with others joining for the chorus, said Matthew Baya, a radio show host from Williamstown, Massachusetts. David Sharp, Star Tribune, 29 Jan. 2021 Travis Scott does the honors of the titular ad lib, and The Weeknd earned a credit as one of the songwriters (his demo was leaked in 2018). Billboard Staff, Billboard, 28 Jan. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
derivative of ad lib
Adjective
derivative of ad lib
Adverb
short for ad libitum entry 1
First Known Use
Verb
1910, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Adjective
1819, in the meaning defined above
Adverb
1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
ad-lib
verb
ˈad-ˈlib
ad-libbed; ad-libbing
: to make up something and especially music or spoken lines during a performance : improvise
Medical Definition
ad-lib 1 of 2
adjective
(ˈ)ad-ˈlib
: made or done spontaneously : not controlled by a schedule
ad-lib feeding of animals
ad lib
2 of 2adverb
(ˈ)ad-ˈlib
: without restraint or imposed limit : as much or as often as is wanted
the animals were given water ad lib Science
—often used in writing prescriptions Sciencead-lib 1 of 3
adjective
as in impromptu
made or done without previous thought or preparation not bad for an ad-lib comedy routine Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- impromptu
- improvisational
- improvised
- extemporaneous
- unrehearsed
- extempore
- extemporary
- off-the-cuff
- unplanned
- unprepared
- offhanded
- offhand
- spontaneous
- spur-of-the-moment
- unstudied
- unauthorized
- unpremeditated
- unscripted
- ad hoc
- snap
- informal
- automatic
- unconsidered
- down and dirty
- instinctive
- impulsive
- cursive
- involuntary
- half-baked
- casual
- half-cocked
- ill-advised
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- prepared
- rehearsed
- premeditated
- planned
- intentional
- intended
- considered
- deliberate
- premeditative
ad-lib
2 of 3noun
as in improvisation
something that is performed, made, or done without preparation you would never suspect that that stirring speech was an ad-lib Synonyms & Similar Words
- improvisation
- impromptu
- improv
- extemporization
- concoction
- innovation
- wrinkle
- creation
- contrivance
- invention
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- drill
- bit
- routine
ad-lib
3 of 3verb
as in to improvise
to perform, make, or do without preparation had to ad-lib constructing a piñata because she'd never actually seen it being done Synonyms & Similar Words
- improvise
- extemporize
- devise
- concoct
- fake
- hatch
- manufacture
- invent
- clap (together or up)
- contrive
- fabricate
- make up
- cook (up)
- think (up)
- cobble (together or up)
- dash (off)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- prepare
- ready
- lay
- arrange
- consider
- study
- practice
- exercise
- contemplate
- ponder
- rehearse
- practise