Synonyms of riff

riff

noun

ˈrif 

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

• interpretation
• variation
• version
• take
• translation
• adaptation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of riff

Guests may see beverages like an old fashioned featuring West Bottoms Whiskey, as well as fruit-forward riffs on other classic cocktails. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026

From musty star maps to ratty psychics, the movie so adores Los Angeles that Thomas Lennon’s hair stylist character is a riff on local billboard king Chaz Dean. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Nick DiSalvo’s plaintive vocals and snaking riffs can gently suggest thoughtful indie rock or tense up to show off more doom-adjacent roots. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 8 July 2026

Expect travelers working on laptops by day, and by night, the motorized liquor riser—stacked with 1,500 bottles—steals the spotlight, a clever riff on NYC’s old automats. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 July 2026