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Definitions

riff

[rif] / rɪf /
NOUN
condition
Synonyms
STRONGEST
action case plight position quality situation status
STRONG
ballgame estate happening mode order posture predicament rank repair reputation scene shape sphere spot standing state trim
WEAK
how it goes how things are how things stack up lay of the land like it is size of it state of affairs status quo way things are way things shape up where it's at
VERB
leaf
Synonyms
STRONG
browse glance riffle scan skim thumb
WEAK
dip into run through
VERB
scan
Synonyms
STRONGEST
browse check examine flash flip through leaf through look through scour search skim thumb through
STRONG
consider contemplate inquire investigate look overlook regard riffle rumble study survey sweep
WEAK
dip into give the once-over glance at glance over have a look-see look up and down run over run through size up take a gander take stock of
Antonyms
STRONG
discard disregard forget ignore look away neglect
VERB
skim
Synonyms
STRONGEST
browse flip through glance leaf through scan skip thumb through
STRONG
dip examine read riffle
WEAK
brush over get the cream give the once-over glance over go once over lightly hit the high spots read swiftly run eye over turn the pages
Antonyms
WEAK
pour

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In a quiet riposte to this, the king in his speech to Congress will riff on past military endeavors the two countries have undertaken and the sacrifice both nations have made.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

A maximalist, grown-up riff on seven-layer dip: smoky chorizo, creamy beans, sweet corn and tangy crema stacked into something closer to a full meal than a snack.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

The shooting on Saturday, which Trump blamed on a "would-be assassin," also caused him to riff on one of his favorite topics -- the huge $400 million ballroom he is building at the White House.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

A cartoon maritime odyssey, powered by what Ricky Wilson called "the stupidest riff you ever heard", it became one of the first independent hits on the American new wave scene, selling more than 20,000 copies.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Harry was running his fingers over the piano keys in a dramatic thrumming riff, either Chopin or Liszt—I wasn’t sure which.

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson