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
One of the most common riffs Simmons swears by at home or on the road?
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2026
This inevitable sequel riffs on the titular Wii game, blasting Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad into outer space to face off against Bowser Jr.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025
The result is an urgent, yet meditative record that crashes and swirls with splendid riffs and lyrics that toil over all the time that has passed.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
As Walsh digs into the song’s riffs, video of apartment buildings gradually stretch to the apex of the Sphere and create the sensation of movement.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
To allow his pals to indulge in a generous dose of nostalgia, too, Pelosi tested and perfected recipes for make-ahead-friendly, big-batch riffs on the classics.
—CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
Because this four-piece’s sludge-metal and post-hardcore is unrelenting, full of fierce drumming and gnarled riffs.
—Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2025
And of course, the title refrain riffs on Dorothy’s famous line from The Wizard of Oz.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
The 50-year-old former longtime creative director at Moschino is known for his inventiveness and bold riffs on Americana and pop culture.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2026
This inevitable sequel riffs on the titular Wii game, blasting Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad into outer space to face off against Bowser Jr.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025
The result is an urgent, yet meditative record that crashes and swirls with splendid riffs and lyrics that toil over all the time that has passed.
—Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
As Walsh digs into the song’s riffs, video of apartment buildings gradually stretch to the apex of the Sphere and create the sensation of movement.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 20 Nov. 2025
To allow his pals to indulge in a generous dose of nostalgia, too, Pelosi tested and perfected recipes for make-ahead-friendly, big-batch riffs on the classics.
—CNN Money, 15 Nov. 2025
Because this four-piece’s sludge-metal and post-hardcore is unrelenting, full of fierce drumming and gnarled riffs.
—Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 13 Nov. 2025
And of course, the title refrain riffs on Dorothy’s famous line from The Wizard of Oz.
—Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025
The 50-year-old former longtime creative director at Moschino is known for his inventiveness and bold riffs on Americana and pop culture.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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The mid-century offered more literal interpretations of cave living, from The Flintstones (1960) to the villainous Bond lair, often hidden within or carved into cliffs.—
Leonora Epstein,
Architectural Digest,
7 Nov. 2025
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Without an international framework, commercial ventures must navigate a patchwork of national laws and evolving interpretations of space ownership.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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To kick off 2026, both stars took to the streets (of New York City and Aspen, respectively) wearing variations of cozy Ugg boots.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Daydream Plus for the next quarter-century, or if Neil Young hung up his guitar and kept putting out variations on Trans.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some of his controversial takes, though, were considered misogynistic, xenophobic, and racist by some.—
Jolene Almendarez,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Jan. 2026
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With only 39 shots making up the film's two-and-a-half-hour runtime, Tarr's penchant for long takes was on full display.—
Alina Edwards,
NPR,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There are also junior versions of the shows with youth competitions.—
Brayden Garcia
January 8,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
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Layered in butter, cream, garlic, Parmesan and green spinach that some versions of its origin story say represents the man’s vast fortune, it was first conceived in New Orleans’ Antoine’s Restaurant in 1899, where a shortage of escargot necessitated some creative moves from chef Jules Alciatore.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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