sniff 1 of 2

sniff

2 of 2

verb

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
And then the moment: Chloe approaches Barrera on the bench, gives her another sniff for good measure, and begins jumping, twisting and wagging her tail furiously, delighted to have met her owner unexpectedly. Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Some have also speculated the new design would not have passed the sniff test of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 11 June 2025
Verb
During the ride, the bear peers through a hole in the crate and sniffs about. Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2025 Once connected, the attackers can launch different attacks to sniff out important information from the users. Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
  • Whether you’re drawn to the floral notes of Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum or prefer something more woodsy and masculine like Ralph Lauren's Ralph’s Club, now is the ideal time to stock up on a new signature scent, grab travel-sized sprays for TSA, or pick up gifts for friends and family.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 July 2025
  • Pura’s Plus diffuser excels in large spaces—even rooms with 23-foot ceilings—thanks to its powerful, pet-safe scents from luxury brands like Nest and Capri Blue.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • In late 2010, two people complained to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, which handles grievances related to IFC projects, about water pollution, soil pollution and foul smells from the Santo Domingo facilities.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The rooms smelled of gas and damp, there was a box of matches to light the stove, an unfamiliar brand of liquid soap for washing dishes—that, too, my mother recalled with fondness.
    Jhumpa Lahiri, New Yorker, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • The whiskey features aromas of coffee cake, pretzel dough, and marshmallow.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • The annual pilgrimage to the psychedelic haven known as Austin Psych Fest wrapped up this weekend at the Far Out Lounge, leaving behind a swirling vortex of trippy sounds, fluorescent visuals and a distinct aroma that grew more … earthy as the temperatures climbed.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • Lime dries out lungs by drawing out moisture from skin and when it’s inhaled, according to the report.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
  • In all its momentum, the show’s biggest obstacle appeared to be a moth, which Jenkins inhaled and choked on near the end of the show.
    jsonline.com, jsonline.com, 5 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sniff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!