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
Relevance
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
Cj Moore, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
The owner is committed to mediocrity as long as there is a sniff of two playoff home dates.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
First, Brisbane would sniff out dying local papers, buy them himself, Hearst-ify them, and sell them back to his boss.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
None of the others ever got a sniff from the Tigers, either.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025
The owner is committed to mediocrity as long as there is a sniff of two playoff home dates.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
The cat seems nervous, cautious, constantly sniffing to pick up on the scent of the humans who’d been there the day before.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 May 2025
First, Brisbane would sniff out dying local papers, buy them himself, Hearst-ify them, and sell them back to his boss.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
The quick-drying, streak-free finish ensures a flawless application every time, while the refreshing coconut scent adds a touch of tropical luxury.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
2 June 2025
-
That’s where this body oil comes in with its warm vanilla scent and glimmering finish.—
Elizabeth Siegel,
Allure,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
While the fan airs out the vessel, boaters should smell for gas vapors, which are easily combustible, said Saltzburg, who posts boating safety videos on YouTube.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
27 May 2025
-
New York cannot afford to go down 3-0, but Indiana smells blood in the water.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
This stunning wine is salmon colored in the glass with enticing aromas of apple, cherry blossom, and honeysuckle.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
29 May 2025
-
Everyone really does gravitate toward nostalgia, memory-inducing aromas, and especially those that evoke reminders from summers past.—
Danielle Sinay,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
When aerosols such as sea spray or smoke are inhaled, the fine particles can reach deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and even the brain when the particles are small enough.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
-
When using bleach, try not to inhale any of the fumes and open windows when possible.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share