sniff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sniffnext
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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sniff

2 of 2

verb

ˈsnif How to pronounce sniff (audio)
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

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
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
Reinforce their willingness to look at or sniff the carrier with treats, gradually working up to asking them to spend time inside of it. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026 Both EagleShield and All Day West will perform inspections using bedbug-sniffing dogs after treatment is complete, Guillén wrote. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aroma
  4. inhale
Noun
  • Packed with antioxidants, this formula helps defend against UV damage from sun exposure while leaving behind a vacation-worthy tropical scent.
    — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026
  • In some ultra-competitive genres—Northern soul, hip-hop, jungle—selectors have been known to cover up the center stickers of their records, or leave white labels unmarked, to throw boothsnooping DJs off the scent.
    — Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 18 July 2026
Definition of scent
Verb
  • Inside, the 40 sheep that were included in the scene made things smell a bit unpleasant.
    — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026
  • Similarly, deodorizing products like baking soda and charcoal filters can keep your trash from smelling and ultimately attracting fruit flies, Messenger says.
    — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 16 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Next is Panthea Parker, a woman whose last name follows her first name like aroma follows a cup of coffee.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Japanese Sansho pepper brings a vibrant citrus aroma, combined with a somehow-mild, tingling heat that leaves a temporary numbing sensation on the tongue.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of aroma
Verb
  • There's been a drastic increase Fine particulates and gases, including carbon monoxide, are inhaled and can lodge deep within the lungs, causing inflammation and irritation.
    — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 July 2026
  • In many cases, people contract the disease by inhaling tiny droplets of contaminated water.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 2026
Definition of inhale

Phrases Containing sniff

Browse Nearby Words

snide
sniff
sniff (at)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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