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.

Its octagonal shape is a riff on AP’s Royal Oak, a holy grail watch among collectors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

"You need a dance licence, I have to be strict about that," he declares over a low-slung bass riff.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

To riff off the book’s famous maxim: Some cartoons are decidedly less equal than others.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 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

He was going to riff on the man who’d shaved in front of a Rembrandt.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day

riff

Example Sentences

Related Words