as in interpretations
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
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Recent Examples of riffs
Her Three Decibel Rule cocktail mixes Ketel One vodka and Cocchi Americano aperitif wine with lychee and crème fraîche; a nonalcoholic Cloud 9 drink riffs on the classic citrusy and creamy Ramos gin fizz.
—
Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
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
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
Featuring incoherent lyrics accompanied by experimental guitar riffs and hardcore drum fills, it was recorded in San Antonio without the Matthews brothers, reportedly because of a physical altercation between the brothers and Haynes.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
David asked to join our call with Peter Callahan and his team, who presented a parade of playful, bite-sized riffs on classic dishes, designed for passing and stations since we’d opted against a seated dinner.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
In testing, the ominous backbeat drove the track, while the screeching riffs and vocals stood against it.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
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
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
Featuring incoherent lyrics accompanied by experimental guitar riffs and hardcore drum fills, it was recorded in San Antonio without the Matthews brothers, reportedly because of a physical altercation between the brothers and Haynes.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026
David asked to join our call with Peter Callahan and his team, who presented a parade of playful, bite-sized riffs on classic dishes, designed for passing and stations since we’d opted against a seated dinner.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
In testing, the ominous backbeat drove the track, while the screeching riffs and vocals stood against it.
—Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026
Over six feet tall and skinny, with a mass of reddish curls, Fleming leaps and bounds across stage while delivering riffs on the bitmoji skills of baby boomers, ballads dedicated to deceased chain craft store Joann’s Fabrics, and Celine Dion’s gamer sons.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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Creators build anticipation through commentary, while fans amplify excitement through their own interpretations.—
Partner Content,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
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This openness allows the work to resonate across different perspectives, inviting multiple interpretations.—
Olga Garcia-Mayoral,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Those variations came down to either a deal that kept the 24-year-old with the organization for the rest of his career or through his first two free-agent years.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2026
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But there are some regional variations; first prize in Tokyo, for example, is 5 kilograms (11 pounds) of tuna.—
Trista Kurniawan,
CNN Money,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In a culture that rewards fast takes, that kind of restraint is rare.—
Sonia Singh,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
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Stiles revealed to Bustle in January 2025 that the poem scene — the emotional climax where Kat reads about Patrick and her voice cracks — took only two takes.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At least that’s according to interviews here with several Illini and Huskies players, who universally concurred that the media versions of Underwood and Hurley are not really an accurate portrayal of their personalities.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Apr. 2026
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The Bavarian Bakery Museum has old copper and brass molds in their collection, whereas the Alsatian versions were often made of ceramic.—
Deena Prichep,
NPR,
4 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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