Word of the Day
: November 4, 2021ad-lib
play
verb
AD-LIB
What It Means
Ad-lib means "to improvise" or "to deliver spontaneously."
// The actor forgot his lines, so he ad-libbed.
ad-lib in Context
"Heinicke ad-libbed a 30-yard touchdown pass to J.D. McKissic…, rallying the Washington Football Team to a 34-30 victory...." — ESPN, 3 Oct. 2021
Did You Know?
Ad-lib is a shortening of Latin ad libitum, which means "in accordance with one's wishes." In the past, ad libitum was used to refer to any activity where the performer was free to do whatever they liked for as long as desired, whether the activity be drawing, working math problems, talking, playing music, or acting.
Test Your Vocabulary with M-W Quizzes
Quiz
Fill in the blanks to complete a synonym of the verb ad-lib: ex _ emp _ _ _ _ e.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
