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
Music is the most cannibalistic creative endeavor, with musicians not only drawing inspiration from predecessors and contemporaries, but often imitating specific techniques, stealing catchy riffs or covering entire songs.
—
Cory Oldweiler, Boston Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
The coffered ceiling in Macro Data Refinement (bottom right) riffs on a Saarinen design for GM Tech.
—Diana Budds, Curbed, 24 Jan. 2025
From the Louis Vuitton spring 2018 collection by Nicolas Ghesquière, a sporty, urban riff on 18th century French style, one of several pieces by the designer included in this show.
—Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Her series of 1-2-3 books are filled with recipes that are strong as is, but are just as friendly to riffs and adaptations.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Cory Oldweiler, Boston Herald, 26 Jan. 2025
The coffered ceiling in Macro Data Refinement (bottom right) riffs on a Saarinen design for GM Tech.
—Diana Budds, Curbed, 24 Jan. 2025
From the Louis Vuitton spring 2018 collection by Nicolas Ghesquière, a sporty, urban riff on 18th century French style, one of several pieces by the designer included in this show.
—Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2025
Her series of 1-2-3 books are filled with recipes that are strong as is, but are just as friendly to riffs and adaptations.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 17 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for riff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for riff
Noun
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Whishaw listened to it a lot, but aside from those two tapes and essays about him by people who knew him, the depiction of Hujar was largely Whishaw’s own interpretation.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
15 Feb. 2025
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That’s a key reason why her interpretation of the character played by so many stage actresses over the years is so different.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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These variations and her latest showcase her dedication to serving memorable looks.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
11 Feb. 2025
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There's several variations but there's a big one that moves after the little one that appears to be chasing it....—
Yaakov Katz,
Newsweek,
9 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Gift this set from Lego’s architecture collection to someone who’d appreciate owning mini versions of famous landmarks.—
Kelsey Fredricks,
People.com,
15 Feb. 2025
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For another, something about seeing another version of himself triggers Mickey’s long-dormant survival instinct; if one of the two Mickeys doesn’t sacrifice himself for the greater good, both of them are going to be put out of commission on a permanent basis.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/riff. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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