RIFFRAFFS Synonyms: 103 Similar and Opposite Words

riffraff

noun

ˈrif-ˌraf

Definition of riffraff

as in debris

discarded or useless material the sight of piles and piles of riffraff at the town dump was a sobering reminder that we are indeed a society of consumers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rabble

people looked down upon as ignorant and of the lowest class local ordinances that are intended to keep the riffraff out of the town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 riffraff Lawyers, journalists and similar riffraff congregated at lunch or after work, and Vincent worked the room, table-hopping with jokes or movie reviews or tales from his latest intriguing trip. — Neal Rubin, Detroit Free Press, 8 Sep. 2024 The bar’s owner, Frankie (a spirited Jessica Williams), has hired Dalton to purge the riffraff, the better to realize her dream of making the Road House a respectable joint worthy of destination weddings and romantic getaways. — Ann Hornaday, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 Bypass the riffraff and turn your ideas into something concrete. — Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 William is ready for the task and has no intention of being killed by rebels or any other riffraff in the forests of Virginia. — Lincee Ray, EW.com, 8 July 2023 See All Example Sentences for riffraff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffraff

Noun

Sweep the deck of debris, hose it down, and scrub any trouble spots with warm, soapy water.

— Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026
The change also covers medical emergencies that are not the airline’s fault, the removal of unruly passengers, certain cyberattacks, and aircraft damage caused by extreme weather or debris.

— Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

Abdul El-Sayed, a rabble-rousing populist and former public health official, just barely eked out a primary victory Tuesday in Michigan over a centrist rival who was the pick of Washington Democrats to keep a must-hold Senate seat.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Aug. 2026
Their tardiness, which saw the start delayed by half an hour, was continued on the field with India looking like a rabble in the face of the onslaught from Buttler and Brook.

— Paul Newman, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Definition of rabble

Noun

Exhibiting a pile of hot, steaming garbage might have been more transgressive than showing these sculptures.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
But to anyone who knew the actual facts, not reckless garbage spewed on the internet, the result of the process was never in doubt.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of garbage

Noun

The decision was ultimately reversed by a New York Supreme Court judge, on the grounds that Warren violated the populace’s religious liberties.

— Clare Whitton, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026
The entire populace is beholden to Billy’s stepmom, Zoe Macon (Poorna Jagannathan), their resident Manhunter in hiding.

— Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

Though now joining the collections of major museums, in the 1970s his artworks depicting the hardship and life of Indigenous Bolivians were rescued from the trash outside his former Manhattan studio, according to multiple accounts.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
After the registration is confirmed, dispose of the toy in the trash.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of trash

Noun

Another 13 people were wounded on downtown Sacramento’s K Street and 10th Street, in what became the deadliest mass shooting in the city’s history.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
Organizers say more than 125,000 people are expected throughout the event, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.

— Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Definition of people

Noun

One study links living near new Kern County oil and gas wells to higher infection risk, while massive housing and solar construction promise more soil disturbance and airborne, infectious dust.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Commissioned by John and Carol Johnston, parents of three young children, the glass and marble-dust stucco structure was completed in 1968.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of dust

Noun

Despite communism’s collapse in 20th century Soviet bloc countries, the last decade has witnessed a surprising surge in interest in communism and socialism among the US public and journalists globally.

— Luba Kassova, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026
The challenges, some fear, are overwhelming for a system beloved by the American public and monumental for preserving America’s legacy and natural beauty.

— Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Definition of public

Browse Nearby Words

riffling

riffraff

riffs

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“Riffraff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffraff. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of riffraff

noun

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