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
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Recent Examples of riffs
At their core, Rush were always about glorious musical excess, routinely cramming more riffs and time signatures into single songs than some bands managed on entire albums.
—
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026
When done well, those moments can be as important to the world of an album as the riffs and blast beats.
—Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
Scary Movie, the latest entry in the beloved horror parody franchise, is overloaded with riffs, digs, plays, and puns on modern cinema.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Corgan was still dreaming of monster riffs in the vein of Jimmy Page balanced out with the goth sensibilities of bands like the Cure.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
His movies are goofs, larks, stunts, knowingly arch bizarro-world riffs.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 May 2026
In theory, this is a time for quiet reflection, to let those opening raucous religious riffs wash over you.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Ahead, 11 highly quaffable recipes—from martini riffs to sour variations—for welcoming the new year in high spirits.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2024
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2026
When done well, those moments can be as important to the world of an album as the riffs and blast beats.
—Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026
Scary Movie, the latest entry in the beloved horror parody franchise, is overloaded with riffs, digs, plays, and puns on modern cinema.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
Food and drink The fifth-floor BAHR with its open kitchen showcases his distinctive flavor combinations with plates like prawn rissoles (a Portuguese snack) as well as riffs on traditional dishes like pork with clams.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Corgan was still dreaming of monster riffs in the vein of Jimmy Page balanced out with the goth sensibilities of bands like the Cure.
—David Harris, SPIN, 2 June 2026
His movies are goofs, larks, stunts, knowingly arch bizarro-world riffs.
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 18 May 2026
In theory, this is a time for quiet reflection, to let those opening raucous religious riffs wash over you.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Ahead, 11 highly quaffable recipes—from martini riffs to sour variations—for welcoming the new year in high spirits.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riffs
Noun
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The failure to analyze or even acknowledge countless comic interpretations of presidents in contexts that lack Lorne Michaels is so thoroughly bizarre that the entire documentary becomes more head-scratching than enlightening.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
10 June 2026
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The ability to reproduce these features in the laboratory could help scientists better understand how different regions of the moon have changed over time and improve interpretations of orbital observations.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 June 2026
Noun
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The expensive physical variations will be handed over to the iPhone Ultra.—
Ewan Spence,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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How To Dress It Up There are many possible variations of this recipe that still keep it easy, affordable, and make-ahead-friendly.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Noun
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No more '80s music fills the backstage halls, but Hollard and Brandon Mendez Homer, who plays nurse Donnie, dance around silently in between takes.—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Dec. 2025
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One thing is more important than our takes.—
Francesco Pacifico,
The Dial,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Others are searching for dupes or DIYing their own versions of the bear cup.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Dec. 2025
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Unlicensed versions of Fe Noel pieces, including the brand’s iconic Wilted Sleeve Robe, are spreading across platforms like Ali Express, Shein, and more.—
Mecca Pryor,
Essence,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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