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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sniff
Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 17 Dec. 2025
The utility is providing a scratch-and-sniff experience that reeks of rotten eggs and aims to teach customers what a gas leak smells like.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 10 Dec. 2025
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
On the next play, Patriots rookie Craig Woodson sniffed out a trick play and dropped the ball carrier on an end around for a loss of five.
—February 9, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
During the stop, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office K-9 conducted a free-air sniff of the vehicle and provided a positive alert.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 17 Dec. 2025
The utility is providing a scratch-and-sniff experience that reeks of rotten eggs and aims to teach customers what a gas leak smells like.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
During the talk, Cindy catches Miss Mann sniffing women's underwear, then stuffing it back into her desk.
—Edward Segarra, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
On the next play, Patriots rookie Craig Woodson sniffed out a trick play and dropped the ball carrier on an end around for a loss of five.
—February 9, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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The Signature Treatment, a 65-minute Nevisian Massage, pays homage to local spices and herbs, blending them with exotic scents of West Indies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, Bottega Veneta’s perfume holder makes sure your travel-sized scent never ever rolls around at the bottom of your bag, evading your grip hand again.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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However, some dogs avoid pills or spit them out due to smell, look or general unfamiliarity.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
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Now, imagine what that moment would smell like.—
Allure,
Allure,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The evergreen tree also produces waxy, silver-blue fruits that have a welcoming aroma.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
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With a slightly bitter taste and a strong aroma, dandelion tea mimics the flavor profile of coffee without the caffeine.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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They can also be inhaled — particularly when heated during styling — and absorbed through a person’s hands.—
Claretta Bellamy,
NBC news,
12 Feb. 2026
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Your daughter breathes that same air, inhaling the virus directly into her respiratory tract.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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