Meaning & use
ad-lib
Last updated
UK/ˌæd ˈlɪb/
US/ˌæd ˈlɪb/
Meaning
verbtransitive or intransitive
To speak, perform, or act without preparation, inventing words or actions as you go.
Grammar: Can take an object: ad-lib a joke; or stand alone: ad-lib on stage.
Patterns
- ad-lib a speech
- ad-lib on stage
- ad-lib an answer
The actor forgot the line and began to ad-lib.
She ad-libbed a funny answer during the interview.
Do not ad-lib the safety instructions during the drill.
Word forms
| third person singular | ad-libs |
|---|---|
| past tense | ad-libbed |
| past participle | ad-libbed |
| -ing form | ad-libbing |
Common combinations
- ad-lib a speech
- He had to ad-lib a speech when the slides failed.
- ad-lib on stage
- The cast learned to ad-lib on stage when cues were missed.
- ad-lib an answer
- She calmly ad-libbed an answer to the unexpected question.
Synonyms and how they differ
- improvise
- The everyday near-synonym; ad-lib is common in performance, speeches, and informal talk.
- extemporize
- More formal and often about speaking without notes; less common in casual use.
- make up
- Needs an object and can mean invent falsely; ad-lib stresses performance in the moment.
Opposites
Word family
Practice
If the teleprompter fails, the host may have to ___.
Choose one answer.
Ad-lib means speak unprepared. The other options are unrelated actions or terms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “ad-lib”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
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