Definition of riffnext
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

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 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 But, per his conceptual preference, Kotlyarenko’s riff on familiar territory is texturally very now, and the setpieces are often based around tech that didn’t exist 20 years ago. — Vadim Rizov, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026 McNeely’s riff shows a toe (flexed, as ever) hoisted from the ceiling, the rest of the figure an illegible mass of guts and bones. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026 Related Stories Taking its English-language title as a kind of literal riff on the Oscar-winning 1950 film All About Eve, the film has a similar story angle. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
  • The exact nature of the relationship between the two men is left open for interpretation, and has been publicly commented on by some involved in the production.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The herd exposes interpretation before the leader becomes the subject of the interpretation.
    — Paula Johnston, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Designer sisters Ana and Cristina Calderon have created a variation on Pinto Coelho’s theme, with four-posters in neutral hues, bright blankets and cushions, and Gustavian armchairs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Another prospective study, from Emory University, found evidence of racial bias, but that the inaccurate results were not fully accounted for by variations in skin tone.
    — Anil Oza, STAT, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Daily activities ranging from Zodiac whale watching excursions to bear-viewing by kayak make this feel like the Pacific Coast version of an African safari.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Luria said investors have seen versions of this story before and aren’t buying it.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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