as in interpretations
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
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Recent Examples of riffs
There’s an abundance of intricate riffs, hypnotic solo passages and wickedly tight drumming to be found on this LP.
—
Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The combo of the group’s power chord-mad riffs, frontman Klaus Meine’s cutting vocals and ear-turning accent, and, of course, Buchholz’s rock-solid rhythms positioned them for heavy-metal dominance in the rock-hungry Eighties.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Head to the vibey beachside Parelía for riffs on Greek classics.
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
The horn section sounds deep and crisp, punching out riffs on Kupka’s brawny bari foundation.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Driven by gentle electric guitar riffs and drums, this sublime pop ballad captures the purest feeling inspired by someone who shares our same upbringing and DNA.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
In place of steady strumming, Weir played arpeggios, single notes, little riffs, and odd, jazzy chords.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
This blend of styles is not only about presenting contrasts—clean versus shouted vocals, melodic versus dissonant riffs, headbanging versus moshing—but also preserving the murky in-between that only elevates the extreme.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
The combo of the group’s power chord-mad riffs, frontman Klaus Meine’s cutting vocals and ear-turning accent, and, of course, Buchholz’s rock-solid rhythms positioned them for heavy-metal dominance in the rock-hungry Eighties.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2026
Head to the vibey beachside Parelía for riffs on Greek classics.
—Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026
The horn section sounds deep and crisp, punching out riffs on Kupka’s brawny bari foundation.
—Andrew Gilbert, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Driven by gentle electric guitar riffs and drums, this sublime pop ballad captures the purest feeling inspired by someone who shares our same upbringing and DNA.
—Natalia Cano, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
Black Midi were known for their wild live shows, improvisational but generally aggressive riffs and devil-may-care attitude.
—Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 12 Jan. 2026
In place of steady strumming, Weir played arpeggios, single notes, little riffs, and odd, jazzy chords.
—David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 12 Jan. 2026
This blend of styles is not only about presenting contrasts—clean versus shouted vocals, melodic versus dissonant riffs, headbanging versus moshing—but also preserving the murky in-between that only elevates the extreme.
—Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 7 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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South Korea’s legislature hasn’t ratified the trade agreement due to a dispute over conflicting interpretations of its implementation.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
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The film plays with different interpretations of light.—
Jason Parham,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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To kick off 2026, both stars took to the streets (of New York City and Aspen, respectively) wearing variations of cozy Ugg boots.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
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Daydream Plus for the next quarter-century, or if Neil Young hung up his guitar and kept putting out variations on Trans.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Pitchfork,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, individual medical providers and other health experts might offer different takes, including some who prefer the previous guidance.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
19 Jan. 2026
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Under the chandelier lights, actors dressed as Joan of Arc, pirates, and mythical beasts waltz over a celestial floor and crack jokes between takes.—
Madeline Hirsch,
InStyle,
19 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Give me 5 versions, each more ambitious than the last.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
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Cold-climate countries developed thick, calorie-dense versions – Scandinavian pea soup, Russian borscht, Canadian split pea.—
Cheryl Russell,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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