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
  • Florals, from abstract interpretations to more literal blooms, were the motif of choice for the statement stud.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In a March interview with Vogue, Hadid discussed how living in Texas had introduced her to different interpretations of cowgirl style, from women who dress up for the occasion to those who spend their days working with horses.
    — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of interpretations
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
Definition of variations
Noun
  • Day-Lewis refused to stand between takes, remaining in his wheelchair, and made production assistants feed him by hand.
    — Laura Zornosa, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • At the masterclass, Alfonso expanded on his approach to long takes and framing, invoking French filmmaker Alain Resnais.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of takes
Noun
  • Three smaller 21mm versions on colorful leather straps round out the collection at $795.
    — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Federal law prohibits the commercial sale of unapproved drugs, but that hasn't stopped vendors from selling imitation versions of the experimental drug online at a scale with no modern precedent.
    — Daniel Gilbert, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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