What does "play by ear" mean?

To play guided by one's musical perception and intuition, rather than from a written score.

What is a synonym for "play by ear"?

Common synonyms include: accompany, ad lib, ad-lib, be caught napping, be surprised, be taken unawares.

verb

verb ·Rare ·Advanced level

Verb

1
To play guided by one's musical perception and intuition, rather than from a written score. intransitive, transitive
2
To do by guessing, intuition, or trial and error; to react to events as they occur, often with risk of negative outcomes; to improvise. idiomatic, intransitive, transitive
"If they ask for something we didn't prepare, we will have to play it by ear."

"If they ask for something we didn't prepare, we will have to play it by ear."