as in interpretation
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of riff
This is a sideways riff on the theme, not set in a literal museum.
—
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Independent horror filmmaker Larry Fessenden began his directing career with No Telling, a low-budget, rural riff on Frankenstein featuring heavy relationship drama and animal experimentation.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
The track starts with a pulsating Simmons bass riff, setting the tone for one of Kiss' funkier guitar grooves.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Independent horror filmmaker Larry Fessenden began his directing career with No Telling, a low-budget, rural riff on Frankenstein featuring heavy relationship drama and animal experimentation.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
The track starts with a pulsating Simmons bass riff, setting the tone for one of Kiss' funkier guitar grooves.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
His timeless riffs and solos, the billowing smoke coming from his Les Paul, the rockets shooting from his headstock, his cool spacey onstage wobble and his unforgettable crazy laugh will be missed but will never be forgotten.
—Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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How might her interpretation of the African diaspora, and her hallmark emotional openness, fit into the brand?—
Hannah Jocelyn,
New Yorker,
22 Oct. 2025
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Vogue’s Favorite Velvet Dresses While velvet’s heritage leans formal, modern interpretations push the fabric into fresh territory—think unexpected textures, colors, and silhouettes.—
Laura Jackson,
Vogue,
22 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Different Spins on the Viral Focaccia Sandwich While the original Trader Joe’s viral focaccia sandwich features roasted turkey, burrata, bacon, and a pesto-mayo spread, creative home cooks have been experimenting with endless variations to suit different tastes.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 Oct. 2025
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Flower color of wild plants is typically red, though variation exists across its range.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
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This is the web version of Fortune Tech, a daily newsletter breaking down the biggest players and stories shaping the future.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
28 Oct. 2025
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Joining her on stage was her Climbing For Life co-star, Japanese actress Rena Nonen, who plays a younger version of Tabei, the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, in the film.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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