Synonyms of sniff

sniff 1 of 2

noun

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

• scent
• smell
• aroma
• stench
• fragrance
• whiff
• odor
• redolence
• perfume
• fragrancy
• attar
• savor
• stink
• funk
• musk
• bouquet
• rankness
• rancidity
• malodor
• reek
• spice
• lusciousness
• fetor
• tang
• incense
• ambrosia
• aromaticity
• foulness
• savoriness
• fetidness
• gaminess
• noisomeness
• odorousness
• acridness
• odoriferousness

sniff

2 of 2

verb

ˈsnif 

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

• smell
• inhale
• whiff
• snuff
• scent
• nose
• breathe
• drink (in)
• snort
• respire
• snuffle
• savor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sniff

Noun

United could barely get a sniff of the ball and many stereotypes about the two managers’ contrasting styles of play ended up bearing out. — Sam Lee, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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

Verb

This team has much bigger goals than padding their record against teams not expected to sniff the playoff picture this season. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

They are designed to sniff out volatile organic compounds (VOCs). — Marta Zaraaska, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

Phrases Containing sniff

• sniff (at)