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
Relevance
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
Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
In addition, Broomfield Police K-9 Rodo recently conducted an open-air sniff of the front and rear yards of the property, which yielded negative results.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
In footage shared by the ABF, a sniffer dog could be seen sniffing a black suitcase and clear plastic bag.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
McInerney fans may take a few sniffs opening weekend, and Fox fans may hole up for a couple weeks of curious glances, but Bright Lights boxoffice prospects seem mighty dim.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
In addition, Broomfield Police K-9 Rodo recently conducted an open-air sniff of the front and rear yards of the property, which yielded negative results.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
One of the newest mold sniffing dogs is Spore, who works for 1-800 Water Damage in North Dakota.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026
In footage shared by the ABF, a sniffer dog could be seen sniffing a black suitcase and clear plastic bag.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
Frying is an art, perhaps plied nowhere with such efficiency and aplomb as at this lively lunch counter, where the very air seems to crackle and the scent of pork incites the blood.—
Ligaya Mishan,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Their strong scent and low growth habit make onions suitable companion plants for many vegetables, herbs, and flowers.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
The lawsuits filed on Tuesday accuse Nicor Gas and the building's management company of failing to properly respond after residents reported smelling natural gas hours before the explosion.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
13 May 2026
-
The entire tourism industry takes a hit when its postcard beaches are piled high with foul-smelling seaweed.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
Don’t miss Shinrin-Yoku, a crisp and delicate Japanese-style rice lager, or the ever-popular Sightglass IPA, built on a pilsner malt base with aromas of berry and key lime.—
Vivian Chung,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
-
Don’t skip the almond extract—a small splash deepens the cherry flavor and gives the filling its bakery-style aroma.—
Claire Saffitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
Hantavirus is primarily spread by inhaling mouse feces and urine.—
Eva Flowe
May 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
-
Transmission to people generally happens when virus-laden rodent excreta gets stirred up in dust and inhaled—for example, a person sweeping out a shed or garage with a rodent infestation without a mask.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
