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
After the 1990 death of Mother Love Bone frontman Andrew Wood, guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament started putting together a new band and recording Gossard’s latest riffs in Seattle.
—
Al Shipley, SPIN, 15 May 2026
Yes as a onetime member of the band; or a sense that their music—with its own outlandish sonics, jarring interruptions, intricate riffs played once and tossed away—had more in common with his channel-surfing vision of pop than the average listener might have realized.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
But the siren call of soft jazzy riffs from a grand piano beckons you towards reception.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
In theory, this is a time for quiet reflection, to let those opening raucous religious riffs wash over you.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Over an efficient five tracks, West traverses the sonic styles of her generation — from nu-metal riffs to rage-rap 808s — with dazzling confidence.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
Throughout the film, the conversation (and there’s plenty of it) serves either to nail down plot points and character traits—or, as in a few Jewish riffs, as ornamental as sprinkles, to suggest substance that’s never developed.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Only time will tell if any of these riffs enter Kentucky’s culinary pantheon, but the original has long proven its staying power—and perhaps will for another century.
—Rich Warren, Saveur, 29 Apr. 2026
From the pristine production to the runs and riffs, Kehlani puts on a masterclass of technical songbuilding and lyrical storytelling.
—Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Al Shipley, SPIN, 15 May 2026
Yes as a onetime member of the band; or a sense that their music—with its own outlandish sonics, jarring interruptions, intricate riffs played once and tossed away—had more in common with his channel-surfing vision of pop than the average listener might have realized.
—Andy Cush, Pitchfork, 9 May 2026
But the siren call of soft jazzy riffs from a grand piano beckons you towards reception.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
In theory, this is a time for quiet reflection, to let those opening raucous religious riffs wash over you.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Over an efficient five tracks, West traverses the sonic styles of her generation — from nu-metal riffs to rage-rap 808s — with dazzling confidence.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 1 May 2026
Throughout the film, the conversation (and there’s plenty of it) serves either to nail down plot points and character traits—or, as in a few Jewish riffs, as ornamental as sprinkles, to suggest substance that’s never developed.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Only time will tell if any of these riffs enter Kentucky’s culinary pantheon, but the original has long proven its staying power—and perhaps will for another century.
—Rich Warren, Saveur, 29 Apr. 2026
From the pristine production to the runs and riffs, Kehlani puts on a masterclass of technical songbuilding and lyrical storytelling.
—Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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However, Lewin, the physiologist, is cautious about overextending the results and interpretations to every bird, given that the researchers haven’t looked at any migratory species.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
13 May 2026
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In contrast, a decision by a judge is governed by stare decisis, the legal principle that courts must adhere to interpretations of law set by past decisions and that lower courts must follow higher courts when in the same jurisdiction.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Stacking is the key to McCarthy's lunar imagery, enabling him to turn the subtle variations of color in an image of the moon into the rich browns and blues seen in his edits.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
9 May 2026
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Five color variations for men and six for women offer wide versatility, with stitched overlays not only adding to the '90s soccer style but also reinforcing areas that take the most impact.—
Kelsey Legg,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Though its origins are disputed, artists from across the world have adopted the aesthetic, offering creative takes that go from hyperrealistic to surreal to playful and bright.—
Diana Tsui,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
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There’s no room for over-editing or re-takes, which adds a layer of transparency and excitement for viewers.—
Adam Rumanek,
Rolling Stone,
15 May 2026
Noun
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Both versions of soaked chia seeds are good sources of fiber, but chia seeds in milk have more nutrients.—
Amber J. Tresca,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2026
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Swapping in travel-size versions or better yet, pouring your go-tos into small reusable bottles, frees up a surprising amount of space and weight.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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