ad lib

By making up words or actions as you go, without preparing them first.

• She spoke ad lib.
• The actors performed the final scene ad lib.
• He answered the audience’s questions ad lib.

Similar words: spontaneously, off the cuff

Common phrases: speak ad lib, perform ad lib

As much as someone wants, with no limit on the amount.

• The cattle can eat ad lib.
• Water was available ad lib throughout the study.
• The rats were allowed to feed ad lib.

Similar words: freely, without restriction

Common phrases: feed ad lib, eat ad lib, drink ad lib

In whatever way you like.

• Repeat the passage ad lib.
• The players may vary the tune ad lib.
• Guests could choose their seats ad lib.

Similar words: as you please, at will, freely

Common phrases: repeat ad lib, vary ad lib, play ad lib

To make up words or actions while performing, without using a written script.

• You can ad lib here.
• He ad libbed a joke when he forgot his line.
• The actors are ad libbing the whole scene.

How to use it: ad lib something (She had to ad lib the introduction.)

Similar words: improvise

Common phrases: ad lib a scene, ad lib a speech, ad lib something, ad lib an introduction

To add freely created vocal sounds or lines after recording the main singing.

• The singer began to ad lib.
• He ad libbed over the chorus after recording the verses.
• They are ad libbing on the final track.

How to use it: ad lib over something (She ad libbed over the recorded chorus.)

Common phrases: ad lib over something, ad lib on something

To sing particular words as extra, freely created vocals added to a song’s main singing.

• He ad libbed a short phrase.
• She ad libbed the last few words over the recorded chorus.
• Try ad libbing those words behind the main vocals.

How to use it: ad lib something (She ad libbed a few words over the chorus.)

Common phrases: ad lib a phrase, ad lib some words

Made up while speaking or performing, rather than planned beforehand.

• It was an ad lib joke.
• Her ad lib speech made everyone laugh.
• The director kept his ad lib remarks in the film.

Similar words: improvised, spontaneous, impromptu

Opposites: prepared, rehearsed

Common phrases: ad lib speech, ad lib performance, ad lib remark

Available in whatever amount each person or animal wants.

• The pigs receive ad lib feed.
• The study compared fixed meals with ad lib feeding.
• Each animal had ad lib access to water.

Similar words: unlimited, unrestricted

Opposites: restricted, limited

Common phrases: ad lib feed, ad lib feeding, ad lib access