Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for ad-lib. Search instead for Adlib.
Definitions

ad-lib

[ad lib, ad] / æd ˈlɪb, ˈæd /
ADJECTIVE
at one's pleasure
Synonyms
STRONG
extemporize extemporized impromptu improvise improvised
WEAK
according to pleasure ad libitum as one thinks best as one wishes at will extemporaneous extempore made-up off-the-cuff spontaneous unprepared unrehearsed without restraint
Antonyms
WEAK
deliberate planned prepared rehearsed written
ADVERB
in an improvised manner
Synonyms
STRONG
impromptu
WEAK
extemporaneously extempore off the cuff off the top of one's head spontaneously without preparation without rehearsal
Antonyms
WEAK
deliberately planned prepared rehearsed written
VERB
improvise speech
Synonyms
STRONG
extemporize invent
WEAK
make up speak extemporaneously speak impromptu speak off the cuff
Antonyms
WEAK
plan prepare rehearse write

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I could ad lib those two scenes with the boys when I wake them up.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2024

Sure enough, after three months, the mice who ate ad lib were stricken with obesity, diabetes, liver disease, and a host of other ugly conditions.

From Salon • Oct. 9, 2022

There are conflicting stories about when the ad lib started.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2021

That sequence with Mike and Eric was one of the few instances of ad libbing; Python didn’t ad lib because John didn’t like it – he’s a fundamentalist when it comes to humour, ironically.

From The Guardian • Apr. 16, 2019

There is a silence in the room and then a babble of ad lib conversation. 9TH JUROR: Please.

From "Twelve Angry Men" by Reginald Rose

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.