as in interpretation
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riff
Legendary musician Carlos Santana is set to bring his electrifying guitar riffs to Nashville on April 29, while touring for his new album.
—
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Want to find that Beatles-style guitar riff buried somewhere in your own sample library?
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The latest limited edition is a riff on the RM 30-01 that showcases a green and white livery inspired by the Le Mans Classic corporate colors.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Nemi offers riffs on traditional dishes, which might include fresh fish served raw or topped with hoja santa butter, duck confit in flour tortillas or pork belly served with beans and nopales.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 June 2025
Want to find that Beatles-style guitar riff buried somewhere in your own sample library?
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The latest limited edition is a riff on the RM 30-01 that showcases a green and white livery inspired by the Le Mans Classic corporate colors.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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Paul John Edited and Bold highlight different levels of peat, providing Indian interpretations of smoky and peaty malt styles.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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The French fashion house is celebrating the anniversary with a book, due to be published by Rizzoli in October, showcasing 99 artists’ interpretations of its signature Lady Dior bag.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Of course, there can be other variations of a theme as the 32-team tournament enters its final 10 days.—
Michael Lewis,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
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In April, Whiskey Thief will offer a different julep variation each week, served in vintage Kentucky Derby glasses.—
Amanda Hancock,
The Courier-Journal,
2 July 2025
Noun
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This is the web version of CFO Daily, a newsletter on the trends and individuals shaping corporate finance.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
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Now there’s an even better, noise-eviscerating version in the WH-1000XM6 (9/10, WIRED Recommends).—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
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