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

Upon first sniff, each of the four scent additions reminded me of something from childhood. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026

Fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides sit right where your dog sniffs and walks. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026

Verb

If the Jazz are sniffing around the Play-In or more, Peterson will get a lot of attention. — The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 27 July 2026

The animal wandered through the house, sniffed a tube of toothpaste in the bathroom and urinated on the floor before leaving. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026

Phrases Containing sniff

• sniff (at)