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riffs

noun

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 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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
  1. interpretations
  2. variations
  3. takes
  4. versions
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
Definition of interpretations
Noun
  • The show will be arranged in spatial layouts, with prototypes and drawings realized in variations of a translucent, veil-like mesh, which Throup has long used as a metaphor for identity and concealment.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Four of the 10 ideas on the list are variations on a connection from the eastern side of the Capistrano neighborhood to state Route 76.
    — Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of variations
Noun
  • The show is so cozy and soothing that the actors frequently fell asleep during takes and can be spotted snoozing in the background.
    — Josh Gondelman, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Greengrass moved that company through a handful of locations, recomposing them for each setup until a modest crowd read on screen as a revolt spilling across the capital, and shot the scenes in firelight, with takes that could last 15 or 20 minutes.
    — JP Mangalindan, Time, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of takes
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
Definition of versions

Browse Nearby Words

riffraff
riffs
rifle
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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