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

The Villeret Quantième Complet is a contemporary riff on the 1980s original, featuring a 40 mm steel case and a white dial with a complete calendar and moon phase complication. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

After a long, oddly relevant riff about applying for a job that calls for five year’s experience when one year might be enough, Tolle used the example of facing the Pirates’ star Paul Skenes in his first major league start in August 2025. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

For his druggy riff on Big Daddy, Firstman recruited former enemies, current friends, and a variety of other personalities from New York’s LGBTQ+ party scene. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Moon fashioned the first lines of the song’s melody around portions of the core riff, ending that opening line with four notes of tension and release. — Tom Roland, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2026