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 The steady bass drum beat has enough low-mid pump to drive the track, and the synth riffs and Demondice’s vocals strike a good balance. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 13 Oct. 2026 The focus of the day is recording riffs for one of the four movies to be featured in the new episodes. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
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
Noun
  • Hugo spritzes and Palomas, among other cocktails and mocktail variations, will also be on the menu, with Dassai sake served on flights to Tokyo’s Haneda airport.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Five entries appearing in the notice refer to variations of his name and identify the same individual.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Director Dustin Rikert worked efficiently, filming several takes of attendees filtering into the auction.
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Dewan is also filming The Rookie, so things are getting challenging as Val drills her on the technique — even on set between takes.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 17 Oct. 2026.

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