riff

noun

ˈrif How to pronounce riff (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 The next minute was given over to leaving viewers wondering why puppets rather than Jack White himself were squeezed into the mega-medley to deliver the biggest riff in rock or sportsdom, before BTS took over at the three-minute point. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 July 2026 Perhaps the best-known of the recent literary riffs on the Odyssey is Circe, written by Madeline Miller. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026 Henery and Alex Dow’s guitar riffs steal the show, supporting his words through a wistful, heavy bridge. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026 Silvia Petrova and her family, longtime residents of Saratoga, acquired Bell Tower Café last year and transformed the adjacent building into a riff on a speakeasy, featuring craft cocktails. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
  1. interpretation
  2. variation
  3. version
Noun
  • Owner Tony Choe’s interpretation of onigiri is far from traditional, using both white and purple sushi rice to surround fillings of spicy tuna, sweet corn and Spam.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Leaders must recognize that words carry historical and emotional weight, often leading to unintended interpretations by employees.
    — Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of interpretation
Noun
  • The variations of embellished mini dresses, column gowns and pant suits on the runways this season served as proof.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Villa usually deploy a variation of a 4-2-3-1 shape, with two No 10s and a right winger.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of variation
Noun
  • Newer versions of the Ford class are expected to cost around $22 billion, the CBO report says.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Known as programmable logic controllers, these devices can be used like an industrial version of home thermostats.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of version

Browse Nearby Words

rife
riff
riffle
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Cite this Entry

“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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