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
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Recent Examples of riffs
The chugging and churning riffs of the Swedish hard-core band’s breakout song once used to echo the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the kitchen.
—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Bassist Dominic DiGesu and drummer Max Bassin make up a top-notch rhythm section, while guitarist Emily Green constantly solos, sometimes doubling Winter’s playing, other times providing melodic riffs.
—
Steve Knopper,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2026
The mix runs almost dangerously hot, bruising kicks and red-lining riffs threatening to overwhelm the whole thing, and the sounds of revving engines at the beginning of most tracks underscore the sensation that we are gathered here today to burn rubber.
—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
19 June 2026
Expect riffs on the Persian frittata kuku sabzi, a variant of the toad in the hole involving shakshuka, plus sabich reconceived in bagel form.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Scary Movie, the latest entry in the beloved horror parody franchise, is overloaded with riffs, digs, plays, and puns on modern cinema.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Ahead, 11 highly quaffable recipes—from martini riffs to sour variations—for welcoming the new year in high spirits.
—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Vogue,
29 Dec. 2024
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
26 June 2026
Bassist Dominic DiGesu and drummer Max Bassin make up a top-notch rhythm section, while guitarist Emily Green constantly solos, sometimes doubling Winter’s playing, other times providing melodic riffs.
—
Steve Knopper,
Rolling Stone,
26 June 2026
The mix runs almost dangerously hot, bruising kicks and red-lining riffs threatening to overwhelm the whole thing, and the sounds of revving engines at the beginning of most tracks underscore the sensation that we are gathered here today to burn rubber.
—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
25 June 2026
Vocals have an offhand nonchalance instead of hogging the spotlight, melodies sneak up on you rather than announce themselves, and the guitars avoid crunchy riffs and overdriven twang in favor of tart rambling and clean supporting chords.
—
Reed Jackson,
SPIN,
19 June 2026
Expect riffs on the Persian frittata kuku sabzi, a variant of the toad in the hole involving shakshuka, plus sabich reconceived in bagel form.
—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
15 June 2026
Scary Movie, the latest entry in the beloved horror parody franchise, is overloaded with riffs, digs, plays, and puns on modern cinema.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Ahead, 11 highly quaffable recipes—from martini riffs to sour variations—for welcoming the new year in high spirits.
—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Vogue,
29 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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Artists Amanda Valdes and Atomik transformed a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette in front of a live audience with their personal style and interpretations.
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Modern interpretations, however, feel fresh and fashion-forward—making this summer floral anything but a throwback.
Noun
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There’s a bug-eyed rabbit, a blue donkey and several variations of what appear to be skulls.
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And just like the cheese straw, cheese dreams have endless variations.
Noun
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Thursday’s game showed how reality is a lot different from these takes folks been having.
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Elsewhere, the European Commission appears keen to avoid a winner-takes-all outcome.
Noun
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Still, Copilot is going through a reset, with Andreou eliminating extraneous versions of the AI tool and merging the teams that focused on consumer and enterprise versions of the product.
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Larger versions serving 10 to 12 guests can also be ordered for private celebrations.
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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