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

Relevance

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 Cathedrals were beautifying public icons that often served the poor; yachts are designed to hide their splendors from the prying eyes of the riffraff. — Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 The first half of the film finds our riffraff joining forces to escape Valentina’s death trap; the second is a parable about mental illness where the metaphors take command over the plot. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for riffraff

Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffraff

Noun

Rodríguez denied those claims, saying some remote areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked by landslides and debris, forcing authorities to rely on motorcycles, drones and satellite imagery.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Seconds later, a powerful explosion blasted through the doorway, shattering windows and sending vertical blinds and debris flying as firefighters quickly retreated from the building.

— Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of debris

Noun

At the same time, Democratic leaders, backed by a rabble, stormed City Hall and seized control of the local government.

— Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026
As the tribunes, Bernardo De Paula’s Brutus and Daniel DeYoung’s Sicinius scheme and rabble-rouse with manipulative glee.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Definition of rabble

Noun

Instead, rival parties united in dismissing his actions as a stunt, leaving his only opponent to be a garbage-can wearing comedian whose policies include forcing rule-breaking cyclists to ride unicycles.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Using a plastic bag to collect the soil and disposing of it in the garbage — not green yard waste bins — will help to reduce the spread of airborne chemicals.

— Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of garbage

Noun

His profiteering has drawn criticism from even the traditionally conservative editorial boards at the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, as well as the broader American populace.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 2 July 2026
The ongoing diversification of the American populace ensures that Latin American rhythms, jazz subgenres and electronic innovations will continue to redefine what the nation will sound like moving forward.

— Ted Olson, The Conversation, 2 July 2026

Definition of populace

Noun

His charm offensive, including moving to Rio and recalling Neymar, has also begun to win over a skeptical public, setting the stage for a crucial World Cup challenge.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Harry and Meghan, who live in California, left Britain in 2020 after stepping back from royal life, and have since been involved in a long-running, public falling out with his family.

— Max Foster, CNN Money, 4 July 2026

Definition of public

Noun

The Aspiron Canister Vacuum is designed with a powerful brushless motor, three-stage filtration system, and large dust cup that keeps shoppers from having to constantly empty it.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
The dust has not quite settled on one of this season’s blockbuster trades during NBA free agency.

— Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of dust

Noun

In 1913, Antonino Alati left southern Italy to find a better life in a land where many people regarded him as little better than scum.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
The acid in vinegar will help cut through soap scum on glass and acrylic doors, resulting in a sparkling shine.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 28 June 2026

Definition of scum

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 9 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of riffraff

noun

Example Sentences

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