as in interpretation
a distinct treatment of something (as a story or a play)
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Examples 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 riff
Hearing those words, spoken in a gruff North of England accent, most Irish people over 40 will immediately start to hum a super-catchy guitar riff inspired by Celtic rockers Horslips.
—
Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
The pits end up as an amaretto riff, which lends a nutty, marzipan note to Civil Pours’ whiskey sour.
—Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The pop single manages to capture the magic of legendary Argentine rock riffs and the essence of the music of that golden age.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024
Note: This is a riff on a Spanish-style gin and tonic but served in a typical highball glass.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
The pits end up as an amaretto riff, which lends a nutty, marzipan note to Civil Pours’ whiskey sour.
—Kate Dingwall, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
The pop single manages to capture the magic of legendary Argentine rock riffs and the essence of the music of that golden age.
—Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024
Note: This is a riff on a Spanish-style gin and tonic but served in a typical highball glass.
—Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
-
Today, the brand is known for its modern interpretations of trends with a slightly vintage aesthetic.Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2024
-
Escola’s upcoming replacement, Betty Gilpin, opens up exciting possibilities of new interpretation, so hopefully this play becomes a lasting American institution in its own right.EW Staff, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
For major shopping regions, there was some variation.Daniel Webber, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
-
These are commonly worn for ceremonies in religious spaces that require more modest coverage, or by brides who want to create variation in their looks throughout the day.Shelby Wax, Vogue, 6 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Mark Belling's podcast show starts May 1 The new podcast version of Belling's show, recorded under the WISN-AM and iHeart umbrella, will begin May 1.Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 11 Dec. 2024
-
To be thought of in that way, to not just move on to the newer, better, younger versions, but [to be offered] to come back and play that part is really cool.Shania Russell, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share