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.

It may sound strange to say it, but a woman helming a “Frankenstein” riff is bold by its very nature.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026

The song’s hook is a rhythm-guitar riff that expresses barely contained control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Fun fact: Hamm’s “Mad Men” co-star John Slattery also appears in the movie, which is a riff on “The Wizard of Oz.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

With a riff reminiscent of the Hives' Hate To Say I Told You So, it's a big, dumb singalong with charisma to burn.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

“Zach, do you like pears? Would you eat a pear?” he asks, just a beat after his opening riff.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove

riff

Example Sentences

Related Words