Crossword Genius

To play by ear is better entertaining (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

improvise

'to play by ear' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'is better entertaining' is the wordplay.
'better' becomes 'improve' ('improve' can be a synonym of 'better'**).
'entertaining' indicates putting letters inside.
'is' placed within 'improve' is 'IMPROVISE'.

(Other definitions for improvise that I've seen before include "Extemporise" , "Talk without notes" , "Spontaneously create" , "Create without preparation" , "wing it" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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