improvise

Universal Words verb 1 to make or do sth using whatever is available, usually because you do not have what you really need: [V] There isn't much equipment. We're going to have to improvise. * [VN] We improvised some shelves out of planks of wood and bricks. 2 ~ (on sth) to invent music, the words in a play, a statement, etc. while you are playing or speaking, instead of planning it in advance: [V] 'It'll be ready some time next week, I expect,' she said, improvising. * He improvised on the melody. * [VN] an improvised response / speech improvisation noun [U,C]