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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of riff
Throughout the film, the conversation (and there’s plenty of it) serves either to nail down plot points and character traits—or, as in a few Jewish riffs, as ornamental as sprinkles, to suggest substance that’s never developed.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Instead, the dusty guitar riffs and heartbeat-monitoring beeps sound like Portishead on a journey of fear and loathing through the Nevada desert.
—Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal directs Oscar winners Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in this feminist reimagining of the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein, itself a riff on the Mary Shelley classic.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Only time will tell if any of these riffs enter Kentucky’s culinary pantheon, but the original has long proven its staying power—and perhaps will for another century.
—Rich Warren, Saveur, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Instead, the dusty guitar riffs and heartbeat-monitoring beeps sound like Portishead on a journey of fear and loathing through the Nevada desert.
—Dean Van Nguyen, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2026
Maggie Gyllenhaal directs Oscar winners Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in this feminist reimagining of the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein, itself a riff on the Mary Shelley classic.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 30 Apr. 2026
Only time will tell if any of these riffs enter Kentucky’s culinary pantheon, but the original has long proven its staying power—and perhaps will for another century.
—Rich Warren, Saveur, 29 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
-
History belies that interpretation, as prior to the amendment, common law prevailed and all (except Blacks, Amerindians and offspring of diplomats) were regarded as citizens at birth (one of the unenumerated rights of the Ninth Amendment).—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
-
But Serkis’ interpretation gives viewers closure.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Stacking is the key to McCarthy's lunar imagery, enabling him to turn the subtle variations of color in an image of the moon into the rich browns and blues seen in his edits.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
-
My recipe is a variation on the original given to me by dear friend, the late, great Irene Jakubowski, who lived much of her life in Valparaiso before retiring to Monticello and her death in 2008.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
The Senate version of the bill already passed that chamber.—
Dené K. Dryden,
Twin Cities,
8 May 2026
-
Then there’s the companion album Norteña, out on May 14, which plays like an audio version of her exercise in reflection and nostalgia.—
Julyssa Lopez,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
