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
The winner will be announced soon, but in the meantime, check out NPR Music's favorite entries, including riff-rock group Pump Action, soul singer Les Greene and more.
—
Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
When the couple falls into a little Noel Cowardesque riff, the play’s central confession arrives like a comic absurdity.
—Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
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
Christopher Nolan will soon launch a big-budget riff on Homer’s epic.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
When the couple falls into a little Noel Cowardesque riff, the play’s central confession arrives like a comic absurdity.
—Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
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
Christopher Nolan will soon launch a big-budget riff on Homer’s epic.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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Different interpretations of rhetoric Some argue that the criticism targeted the regime, and that many Iranians welcome blunt honesty.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
8 Apr. 2026
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The most traditional poetic forms are repetitive, with strict rhyme schemes and meter, but newer interpretations are also built around repetition, relying on slant rhymes, refrains, alliteration, and more.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There will be seasonal vegetable variations too.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Apr. 2026
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Jalen Brunson knows any variation of offensive plays featuring both him and All-Star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns can be difficult, nearly impossible for opposing defenses to guard.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Budapest has also played host to global far-right leaders and MAGA influencers at the international version of the Conservative Political Action Conference for the past four years.—
Emmet Lyons,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
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The mandolin quartet was developed, mixing treble and bass versions of the instrument, and the technique of the tremolo was taken to new heights of sophistication.—
Tim Parks,
New Yorker,
11 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
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