Extemporize to fill time, say
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026
Stuck on the clue Extemporize to fill time, say from the New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 4-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Extemporize to fill time, say (4)
Answer
The answer to Extemporize to fill time, say is Vamp (4 letters).
Why does Vamp fit this clue?
This clue uses a specific sense of the word to define VAMP, which means to improvise or ad-lib, especially in performance contexts. To vamp is to create spontaneous material, often musical accompaniment or dialogue, to fill gaps or extend time during a live performance. The phrase 'to fill time' directly connects to this theatrical and musical usage, where performers vamp when they need to stretch a scene, cover a mistake, or wait for a cue. The word comes from the idea of patching or repairing something on the spot, much like how a cobbler might vamp a shoe.
What does Extemporize to fill time, say mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definition below.
extemporize
verb
•to speak or perform without preparation; to improvise
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 58-down in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026, by Ryan Patrick Smith, edited by Will Shortz. See all answers for this puzzle.
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NYT Daily — Mar 31, 2026
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What does Vamp mean?
noun
•The top part of a boot or shoe, above the sole and welt and in front of the ankle seam, that covers the instep and toes; the front part of an upper; the analogous part of a stocking.
•Something added to give an old thing a new appearance.
•A flirtatious, seductive woman, especially one who exploits men by using their sexual desire for her.
•A vampire.
•A volunteer firefighter.
verb
•To patch, repair, or refurbish.
•Often as vamp up: to fabricate or put together (something) from existing material, or by adding new material to something existing.
•To seduce or exploit someone.
Origin of the word Vamp
•origin: Old French 'avanpié' meaning 'front of the foot'
•period: 13th century
The word originally referred only to the front part of a shoe or boot before expanding to mean a seductive woman in early 20th century theater slang.
How to use Vamp in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Vamp.
•“The jazz pianist had to vamp for several minutes while the sound technician fixed the microphone.”
•“When the guest speaker was running late, the host vamped with some impromptu jokes to keep the audience entertained.”
•“The actor vamped through the scene when his co-star forgot her lines, improvising dialogue until she remembered her cue.”
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Daily, Mar 31, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Daily for March 31, 2026 was published by Ryan Patrick Smith and has 78 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Extemporize to fill time, say
- What is the answer to Extemporize to fill time, say?
- The answer is Vamp (4 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Daily on March 31, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Extemporize to fill time, say have?
- The answer has 4 letters: Vamp.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Daily — Mar 31, 2026
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