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

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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
Every sniff and sip unlocks a new avenue of flavor, from sugary sweets to citrus to orchard fruit to earthiness and herbal spice. — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 After getting some quick sniffs in and padding around the yard for a while, Jimothy retreated into the bushes surrounding the yard. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Verb
In the doorframe was the manager, sniffing around, suspicions aroused. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 As wildlife biologist Christina Aiello searches for droppings of bighorn sheep, which are relatively abundant, the dog duo from Rogue Detection Teams will sniff out harder-to-find bobcat and mountain lion scat. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aroma
  4. inhale
Noun
  • Warhound wants to improve canine health and longevity alongside traits such as speed, agility, and scent detection.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Cadaver dogs also alerted to the scent of a corpse in the vehicle.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of scent
Verb
  • His creator, an unnamed basket-weaver (Peter Dinklage), braided him as a mate for a lonely virgin, a fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) who stomps around her rustic village smelling like sushi and tossing her head back in an Eliza Doolittle guffaw.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Officials said hunters should watch for signs of infection, including visible maggots in wounds, foul-smelling injuries and animals that appear weak or distressed.
    — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Their texture and aroma stand up to the cheese, walnuts and creamy buttermilk dressing.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Their 2021 Pogetto di Sopra Alleanza is exceptionally well made with aromas of vanilla, cherry, and red plum.
    — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of aroma
Verb
  • Slice off a wedge of cornbread, then, and inhale the toasty steam that rises up.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Without a mask, without fear of needing lung implants, without having to worry about inhaling a soupçon of strychnine or similar industrial pollutants.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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