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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of riff
The Italian metal extremist has been going down a rabbit hole of his own with a series of highly technical I, Voidhanger releases marked by extraterrestrial synth work and winding, stop-on-a-dime riffs.
—
Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026
Sonically, the track (produced and composed by Gavilan) is a melancholic grassroots folk song accompanied by weeping guitar riffs and a heart-pounding cajón.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
The riff sounded like the feeling, the riff.
—Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2026
This is a brand new offering that hopefully will be home for a lot of great ideas and lyrics and guitar riffs that will then inspire people a hundred years from now.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 30 Mar. 2026
Sonically, the track (produced and composed by Gavilan) is a melancholic grassroots folk song accompanied by weeping guitar riffs and a heart-pounding cajón.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
The riff sounded like the feeling, the riff.
—Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2026
This is a brand new offering that hopefully will be home for a lot of great ideas and lyrics and guitar riffs that will then inspire people a hundred years from now.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
-
The executive order Trump signed his first day back in office challenges the longstanding interpretation of a 19th century constitutional provision guaranteeing birthright citizenship to nearly everyone.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From subtle variations to vibrant color combinations, there's a chrome pink nail design for every aesthetic.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The aircraft is a variation of the Air Force fighter jet that carries a pilot and weapons system officer.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
It was followed by the B variation, a single-seat C version and two-seat D model in 1979.—
Tom Liddy,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The topical version of minoxidil is available over the counter (primarily under the brand name Rogaine) at concentrations of 2-5%, and by prescription at stronger concentrations of 10-15%.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
