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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Recent Examples of sniff
Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
So giving your flour a sniff is a good way to test its quality—and if in doubt, toss it out!
—Amy Sherman, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026
Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Images posted to the hacking group’s Telegram account included a picture of Patel sniffing a cigar and posing for photos.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
While rarely looking like a team should get a sniff from the selection committee.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026
So giving your flour a sniff is a good way to test its quality—and if in doubt, toss it out!
—Amy Sherman, Martha Stewart, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
Look for 2027 to be a true turning point year where Colorado can perhaps sniff a win total in the 70s.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Images posted to the hacking group’s Telegram account included a picture of Patel sniffing a cigar and posing for photos.
—Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
Skip perfumes, cologne and strong scents that may draw bees’ attention.—
Rey Covarrubias Jr,
AZCentral.com,
29 Mar. 2026
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Light, texture, music, scent—all contribute to a sense of immersion.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Booth visitors will be able to smell and look at plants from the Theodore Payne Foundation and learn how native plants can not only save water but also support local wildlife such as bees, birds and monarch butterflies.—
Lisa Boone,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
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Their flowers smell like tuna, and they're banned in numerous states.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Herbs and Spices A deep oven drawer might fit all your herb and spice jars in an orderly and easy-to-access fashion, but the warmth generated in this space can mean these seasonings will quickly lose their depth of flavor, aroma, and color.—
Gemma Johnstone,
The Spruce,
2 Apr. 2026
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Near the top of the purifier, there's an aroma pad box.—
John R. Delaney,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Once airborne, these microscopic spores are easily inhaled without people realizing it.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
30 Mar. 2026
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When spores are inhaled, symptoms include fever, nausea and chest pain.—
Hannah Kinzer,
The Conversation,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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