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
Black Sabbath’s sound was inspired by their working-class environment, and their lyrics and vicious riffs spoke to the turbulent lives of the members.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
The track is a slow-burning charmer that sneaks up on you, quietly building into seismic, cathartic riffs as McLamb reflects on being a girl among the boys.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
There are several riffs on the candy bar, including desserts like this cake, Dubai chocolate strawberries, and pistachio cream brownies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Released in November 2024, this modern riff on the 1996 original features a 49.4 mm case in pink gold and two dials with an hour-minute display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 22 July 2025
The track is a slow-burning charmer that sneaks up on you, quietly building into seismic, cathartic riffs as McLamb reflects on being a girl among the boys.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 16 July 2025
There are several riffs on the candy bar, including desserts like this cake, Dubai chocolate strawberries, and pistachio cream brownies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2025
Released in November 2024, this modern riff on the 1996 original features a 49.4 mm case in pink gold and two dials with an hour-minute display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
-
But this interpretation misses the deeper impact of moral courage.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
-
Wirth and Hess, backed by a legal team in London, continued to express confidence in their interpretation.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
With these expanding and quickly evolving options inherently comes a wide variation in how long brands choose to partner.—
Joseph Wolkin,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
-
Inside the dome, Rubin uses special recalibration lights to check and correct for variations in the sensors and other instruments.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
28 July 2025
Noun
-
Even Major League Baseball hopped on the trend at Citizens Bank Park, where the Philadelphia Phillies' mascot, Phillie Phanatic, recreated the moment with a feminine version of the mascot.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
22 July 2025
-
Dewald's reasoning for using an early version of this technology was surprisingly practical.—
Hassaan Raza,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share