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 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
Noun
  • The more exaggerated interpretations, with oversized collars that swallow the chin or heavy embellishment, are the ones most at risk of looking dated once the search curve bends.
    — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The networks have employed officiating experts to walk viewers through confusing rule interpretations for years.
    — Mike Sando, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Since there are significant elevation variations in the Asheville area, parts of the region will see peak fall color at different times, tourism officials say.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
  • There were plenty of new spins on his famous baker boy cap showcased like art objects in a striking Plexiglas installation in an art gallery opposite Le Bristol, plus numerous other variations on other headgear in his spring 2027 lineup.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Throughout the track, Swift makes fun of these takes and speaks about the newlyweds’ relationship.
    — Kelly Allen, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Those takes were by far the largest since May when Mormon Wives star Whitney Leavitt concluded her run as Roxie with a weekly gross of $1,688,129.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Breakfast includes smart versions of the usual suspects of avocado toast, bagels and lox, breakfast sandwiches, and lunch is grab-and-go sandwiches, asfew guests are milling around mid-day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, Luria said investors have seen versions of this story before and aren’t buying it.
    — Morgan Chittum, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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