sniff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sniffnext
as in scent
the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose we took a good sniff of the sauce, trying to guess its ingredients

Synonyms & Similar Words

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sniff

2 of 2

verb

ˈsnif How to pronounce sniff (audio)
as in to smell
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose a curious cat sniffing the flowers in the garden

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sniff
Noun
Because dogs stay low and sniff constantly, fertilizers, weed killers and insecticides reach them easily. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Native to South America, one sniff of the zesty, tangy fruit transports you to a lush, tropical oasis with bright growing greens and clear blue waters. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 17 June 2026
Verb
Deputies once again conducted a traffic stop, and a police dog sniffed out illicit substances. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026 The look of sheer repressed, stymied rage/laughter on Raph’s face when Paul sniffs the Oreos instead is one of the episode’s biggest laughs. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aroma
  4. inhale
Noun
  • Also known as fragrance stacking, layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of scent
Verb
  • When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
  • Mild scurvy caused bleeding gums, tooth loss and foul-smelling breath.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • His-and-hers hydrotherapy facilities each have a vitality pool, aroma-steam room, sauna, ice fountain and experience showers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
  • Industry experts recommend choosing products based on aroma, terpenes, and considering THC as merely one factor among many.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Verb
  • When inhaled, these microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing swelling and inflammation.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
  • When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
    — Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Definition of inhale

Phrases Containing sniff

Browse Nearby Words

snide
sniff
sniff (at)
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Cite this Entry

“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sniff

Nglish: Translation of sniff for Spanish Speakers

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