riffs

plural of riff
as in interpretations
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play) a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 riffs Sixty years later, Water Damage has found another way to make minimalism enveloping, this time through roaring riffs presented on an infinite loop. — Vanessa Ague, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2026 The steady bass drum beat has enough low-mid pump to drive the track, and the synth riffs and Demondice’s vocals strike a good balance. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 The focus of the day is recording riffs for one of the four movies to be featured in the new episodes. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 There was something carnivalesque about Marcia’s intellectual riffs. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 But California alt-metal trio Primus exists almost entirely in opposition to good taste, with Les Claypool singing morbidly odd story-songs about colorful characters in a nasal wheeze while his bass belches out gnarly, distorted riffs. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 Sep. 2026 And Quentin Collette’s turbulent soundscape — rumbling, clanking, with the unrelenting downpour stirring in elemental fury — mixes seamlessly with the tense synth riffs of French electronic composer Robin Coudert, known professionally as ROB. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 Moon Bar’s menu offers the classics, as well as riffs on those drinks, like the addition of miso shiso honey to an old fashioned. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 25 Aug. 2026 McCollough thought Watts was a comedic genius, and the pair shared a similar sense of humor, establishing their own bits and improvisational riffs. — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
  • Rather than rehashing traditional compositions, the group recognizes these sorely untapped sounds as living and malleable, creating new interpretations that bring them to our times without losing an ounce of their essence and verve.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The humble garment has made its way onto the runway, with designers at Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Paul Smith offering their own interpretations.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The self-styling of Rider’s shows has been widely praised, as has the scenography of the re-see, which offers an original approach to presenting products through accumulation, layering and a play on color variations or monochromatic schemes.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The brand’s spring 2027 show in Paris earlier this month featured multiple variations on it, including a style worn by Lacoste global ambassador and front row guest Venus Williams.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Those differences are embodied in the mixed visual approaches Saito takes, switching between vivid color and monochrome, and between chaotic handheld work and steadier camerawork.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Modern takes borrow the shape and spirit of those decades while using contemporary cutting techniques and a looser finish.
    — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At least until Anyday released dishwasher-and-microwave-safe reusable versions of the classic.
    — Editors of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Checking the exact model number stops you from comparing two slightly different versions by accident.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 27 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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