extemporize

[ ik-stem-puh-rahyz ]
See synonyms for: extemporizeextemporizedextemporization on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),ex·tem·po·rized, ex·tem·po·riz·ing.
  1. to speak extemporaneously: He can extemporize on any of a number of subjects.

  2. to sing, or play on an instrument, composing the music as one proceeds; improvise.

  1. to do or manage something in a makeshift way.

verb (used with object),ex·tem·po·rized, ex·tem·po·riz·ing.
  1. to make or devise extempore.

  2. Music. to compose offhand; improvise.

Origin of extemporize

1
First recorded in1635–45; extempore + -ize
  • Also especially British, ex·tem·po·rise .

Other words from extemporize

  • ex·tem·po·ri·za·tion, noun
  • ex·tem·po·riz·er, noun

Words Nearby extemporize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use extemporize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for extemporize

extemporize

extemporise

/ (ɪkˈstɛmpəˌraɪz) /


verb
  1. to perform, speak, or compose (an act, speech, piece of music, etc) without planning or preparation

  2. to use (a temporary solution) for an immediate need; improvise

Derived forms of extemporize

  • extemporization or extemporisation, noun
  • extemporizer or extemporiser, noun

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