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
  • The Many Worlds interpretation and the Copenhagen interpretation are not really two different interpretations but two different theories.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Glamour’s fall 2026 jacket trend guide lists barn jackets among the season’s notable outerwear styles, spotlighting designer labels alongside more accessible interpretations from mainstream retailers.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The German athletic brand has kept its classic Samba shoe hyper relevant by introducing new variations, such as its recent slip-on version.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The creative directors came up with more unique ideas and stories; the delegators offered variations on the same themes.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 20 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
  • The composition of these jets isn’t crystal clear, but scientists suspect electrons, positrons (the antimatter versions of electrons) and perhaps protons are pulled along swirling magnetic lines before being sent out from the black hole’s poles.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The pilot study involved 12 drivers who track-tested both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions of the Polestar 4 at a track in Sweden.
    — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 20 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Riffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riffs. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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