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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Recent Examples of sniff
CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
When Cody the golden retriever was introduced to his new sibling, his owner probably would have hoped for some happy tail wags and some curious sniffs to show his curiosity.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The real dog sniffed Jennie and gave an approving tail wag.
—Rena Goldman, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
It's followed by a pet horse, Cricket, which gives a couch a good sniff.
—CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
When Cody the golden retriever was introduced to his new sibling, his owner probably would have hoped for some happy tail wags and some curious sniffs to show his curiosity.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
On Tuesday, Fox 32 political reporter Paris Schutz posted on X the memo Harden sent around to fellow board members, warning them that the Evanston lawyers would be sniffing around, presumably into their email, social media and/or other forms of contact.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
The real dog sniffed Jennie and gave an approving tail wag.
—Rena Goldman, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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Poor Hygiene Ever been on a plane and caught a foul scent?—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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It’s billed to bridge wellness, scent and self-expression.—
Jennifer Weil,
Footwear News,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Little habits like these will help lower the moisture level in your bathroom and keep it smelling fresh.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
22 Jan. 2026
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There was a Firebox with visible smoke coming out the top – the nearby area smelled like a campfire.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Follow the aroma of warm, sugary dough to the bright pink food truck covered in dogs and surrounded by neon lights.—
Austin American Statesman,
Austin American Statesman,
15 Jan. 2026
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The resulting casserole comes out tender and saucy, with a light creaminess, lovely aroma and a savory richness.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Football leans on tradition, providing convenient cover for the NFL’s lenient stance on smelling salts, ammonia crystals that players believe enhance performance when inhaled.—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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When inhaled, these particles enter the lungs and can then pass into the bloodstream, increasing people’s risk of heart disease and decreasing lung function.—
Katelyn Richard,
The Conversation,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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