sniffy

adjective

ˈsni-fē How to pronounce sniffy (audio)
sniffier; sniffiest
Synonyms of sniffynext
: having or expressing a haughty attitude : disdainful, supercilious
sniffily
ˈsni-fə-lē How to pronounce sniffy (audio)
adverb
sniffiness
ˈsni-fē-nəs How to pronounce sniffy (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Examples of sniffy in a Sentence

She wrote a sniffy letter rejecting his offer. she was sniffy about anyone who didn't live up to her standards for “good manners”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Some systems can be overtly sniffy about poverty-spec audio files like this, but the KEF is not so judgmental. — Simon Lucas, WIRED, 18 Jan. 2024 Their rewiring of Test cricket was thrilling everyone back in 2022 (apart from a sniffy Australia) when England became the first team to complete a clean sweep in Pakistan and in some style. — Tim Ellis, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sniffy was in 1871

Rhymes for sniffy

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Browse Nearby Words

sniffy
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Cite this Entry

“Sniffy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sniffy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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