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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sniff
Diana Bocco,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office When K-9 Racket and his handler arrived at the scene, Racket performed a free air sniff of the vehicle and signaled a positive alert to the deputies for the presence of drugs.
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Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
Deputies once again conducted a traffic stop, and a police dog sniffed out illicit substances.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
Guilfoyle said helpful approaches include increasing enrichment and sniff-based activities on walks, providing more structured chewing opportunities, treating underlying nausea, reflux, pain or anxiety if present, and redirecting with food or toys before the dog starts grazing heavily.
—
Diana Bocco,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office When K-9 Racket and his handler arrived at the scene, Racket performed a free air sniff of the vehicle and signaled a positive alert to the deputies for the presence of drugs.
—
Briauna Brown,
CBS News,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
On land, cadaver dogs sniffed the shore for any trace of Lynette.
—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
Deputies once again conducted a traffic stop, and a police dog sniffed out illicit substances.
—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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According to the brand, Dew & Light's popularity in Korea and Japan reflects a broader appreciation for scents that feel clean, delicate, and effortless—fragrances that complement your presence instead of announcing it.
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Use warm air and UV rays outside to naturally disinfect fabrics, make white clothes brighter, and get rid of musty odors, all while leaving behind a unique scent from fresh air that can’t be replicated in the dryer.
Verb
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In a strange twist, the potential buyer reportedly smelled a rat and reached out to someone with the company, to make sure the machinery hadn’t been stolen.
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Plug-ins, candles and sprays running at the same time generate competing scent signals, which is part of why a house can smell different in every room and not in a good way.
Noun
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Made with a mix of hazy, golden Bavarian-style hefeweizen and tangy, sweet-and-sour grapefruit soda, this beer features aromas of citrus zest and banana bread, and is a great option to sip poolside or during a camping trip.
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Thrilling smoky minerality on the nose with an abundance of floral aromatics that is laced with a citrus salinity, such as lemon confit, that has marked acidity and finishing aromas of seashell, making this a gorgeously gastronomic wine.
Verb
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The workers inhale these particles, and many develop a severe and rapidly progressive form of silicosis.
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The fish will inhale the lure and clamp down hard.
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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