riff

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.

Since then, the 79-year-old Republican has rarely missed an opportunity to discuss the project, frequently meandering in mid-speech on other topics to riff about the architectural details of the proposed facility.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 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

You can riff depending on fridge contents or, after a brief sensory inventory, what feels right in the moment.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

With its Miyazaki-inflected aesthetic rooted in hand-stylized humans and a juxtaposition of natural-world splendor with the sheen of artificial enhancements, “Arco” is a sweet yet slight sci-fi vision, an “E.T.” riff with a European sensibility.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 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