as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riff
From a viral spin on the French 75 to riffs on the Martini and Negroni on restaurant menus, soju is a versatile spirit that lends itself well to making cocktails at home.
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Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
His fireplug vitality surrendered only to his untamed playing, boogie feel and volumes upon volumes of mesmerizing riffs.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
While the plot was essentially a bigger and louder riff on Borderlands 1, Handsome Jack's major presence and the much bigger variety of wild locales and enemies made the adventure refreshing enough.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 May 2025
Her riffs and curlicues drop off her like cherry blossoms.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2025
His fireplug vitality surrendered only to his untamed playing, boogie feel and volumes upon volumes of mesmerizing riffs.
—Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025
While the plot was essentially a bigger and louder riff on Borderlands 1, Handsome Jack's major presence and the much bigger variety of wild locales and enemies made the adventure refreshing enough.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 22 May 2025
Her riffs and curlicues drop off her like cherry blossoms.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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Earlier in the week, on a CBS Morning Show interview, McDonald told Oprah’s consort Gayle King that her characterization in the Gypsy revival obeyed director George C. Wolfe’s new interpretation, reflecting Millennial race consciousness.—
Armond White,
National Review,
13 June 2025
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Modest dress codes are common across many Arab countries, though their enforcement varies widely depending on local customs, religious interpretations, and government policies.—
Amira El-Fekki,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 June 2025
Noun
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Companies moving in this direction need to understand how variation in price can affect the ability to meet operational expenses.—
Alexander S. Blume,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Approach and mentality are frequent topics of conversation, even if there’s some variation between the two.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2025
Noun
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Musicians Carlile and Bareilles, both multiple Grammy winners, co-wrote a song with Gibson that closes the film, with Bareilles handling the vocals in the version of the documentary that screened Saturday night.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
15 June 2025
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In the latest version of the CJGJ-Eagles saga, the veteran safety went live on Instagram to chat it up with some fans.—
Justin Grasso,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
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