as in interpretations
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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Recent Examples of riffs
Of course, with precisely sketched social worlds, deep character development, and plots that turn ideas into narrative, novelists can always find new riffs on old themes.
—
Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Low, ominous bass riffs giving way to a distorted wail of electric guitar signaled that this was the juncture in American history when the gloves came off and the real ass-kicking began.
—Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Fans began cheering as soon as the guitar riffs started, and sang every word of Dua’s cover of the 1978 track with her and her band, all clad in black.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
The band’s signature battering riffs and Lindberg’s screeching vocals have become synonymous with the extreme metal genre.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The punk band has garnered a wide-stretching fanbase, combining elements of alt-rock, shoegaze, dream pop and funk with hardcore's classic distorted guitar riffs and high-energy speak-singing.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Propelled by one of guitarist Wes Borland’s hypnotic riffs, crunching beats, old-school record scratches and the group’s signature shouty choruses, the whole thing comes crashing to a close with a pummeling final chorus that finally nods to the country star in the title.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Now that Paul Thomas Anderson has adapted Thomas Pynchon’s work not once, but twice — the upcoming One Battle After Another riffs on Pynchon’s 1990 novel, Vineland, with Leo to boot — someone’s assistant might actually have to read Gravity’s Rainbow.
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
The other range is built on the Endurance Pro, with the riffs on the titanium dive watch costing $4,400 apiece.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025
Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 23 Sep. 2025
Low, ominous bass riffs giving way to a distorted wail of electric guitar signaled that this was the juncture in American history when the gloves came off and the real ass-kicking began.
—Seth Harp, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
Fans began cheering as soon as the guitar riffs started, and sang every word of Dua’s cover of the 1978 track with her and her band, all clad in black.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 2025
The band’s signature battering riffs and Lindberg’s screeching vocals have become synonymous with the extreme metal genre.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The punk band has garnered a wide-stretching fanbase, combining elements of alt-rock, shoegaze, dream pop and funk with hardcore's classic distorted guitar riffs and high-energy speak-singing.
—Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 16 Sep. 2025
Propelled by one of guitarist Wes Borland’s hypnotic riffs, crunching beats, old-school record scratches and the group’s signature shouty choruses, the whole thing comes crashing to a close with a pummeling final chorus that finally nods to the country star in the title.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025
Now that Paul Thomas Anderson has adapted Thomas Pynchon’s work not once, but twice — the upcoming One Battle After Another riffs on Pynchon’s 1990 novel, Vineland, with Leo to boot — someone’s assistant might actually have to read Gravity’s Rainbow.
—John Lopez, HollywoodReporter, 6 Sep. 2025
The other range is built on the Endurance Pro, with the riffs on the titanium dive watch costing $4,400 apiece.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 31 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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Subramanian’s interpretations suggest a tougher stance, signaling potential challenges ahead for Combs as the hearing continues.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
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Each artist created their own interpretations of Jacobs’ signature silhouettes, ranging from the Tote Bag and Snapshot to ready-to-wear, accessories and wallets, through the lens of joy as wearable fashions.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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As for what exact variations and shades to score for this season?—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
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In fact, the device is built to withstand humidity, wind, temperature variations and the rigors of frequent transport.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That’s why Paris Texas founder Annamaria Brivio continued to evolve her bestselling Lidia style with fresh takes, like spring’s thong version.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
29 Sep. 2025
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Soundcore doesn't say how long a full charge takes.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Russia refers to that family of drones as the Gerans, newer versions of which are jet powered.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
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The Peloton Pro Series includes commercial versions of its Bike+, Tread+ and Row+ and will be marketed to places that have small gyms, like hotels, apartment buildings, corporate wellness centers and country clubs.—
Gabrielle Fonrouge,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
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