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 Behind the heavy riffs and battered drums is a think piece about the anxiety that can come with success and the crippling doubt of imposter syndrome. Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 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 Diners hop from neighborhood to neighborhood sampling everything from upscale tasting menus to casual comfort-food riffs. Marissa Payne, Des Moines Register, 12 Aug. 2026 John Carpenter’s dazzling epic riffs on everything from Howard Hawks to crime serials. Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Aug. 2026 Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours. Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026 Surf-rock riffs, punctuated with pockets of silence, eventually slacken in tempo for a glorious, slo-mo finish. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026 The room is overtaken with projections, scenes of bustling New York traffic paired with bachelor-pad-like guitar riffs. Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
  • New interpretations of the Caliber 101 Secrets, the Master Hybris Artistica Caliber 945, and the Duometre Grande Complication A Grande Sonnerie are now up for grabs in a rare release of very limited editions.
    Carol Besler, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The multiseason offering will kick off with more than 20 pieces of apparel and accessories that are modern interpretations of classic Dean pieces such as a white T-shirt, a leather motorcycle jacket and a cowboy hat.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Both Mac security firm Jamf and a researcher have ​​documented macOS variations of ClickFix that can bypass Gatekeeper protections.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Each is handmade, so slight variations only add to the charm.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Almost every day, a news story about a film professional whose decision to prioritize trans solidarity or Palestinian solidarity brings a rash of reactionary takes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Herzog’s matter-of-fact filming style (which includes some long takes and awkward pans) has little evocative power.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The two main characters were barely veiled versions of Rob and Nick, who was living in his parents’ guesthouse at the time of the killings.
    James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026
  • At first glance, some versions of the Mary Jane sneaker are barely distinguishable from a classic flat; others come in a technical mesh with a chunky tread or cushiony insoles.
    Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

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