What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
improvise
Example
The actor had to improvise his lines when he forgot his script. [improvise: verb]
Example
She was able to improvise a meal with the limited ingredients in her kitchen. [improvise: verb]
spontaneous
Example
The children's spontaneous laughter filled the room. [spontaneous: adjective]
Example
We decided to take a spontaneous road trip without any prior planning. [spontaneous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spontaneous is more commonly used than improvise in everyday language. Spontaneous is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while improvise is less common and refers to a specific skill or ability.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between improvise and spontaneous?
Both improvise and spontaneous can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but improvise may be more commonly used in professional or artistic settings where improvisation is required.
