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

So this was his first sniff of postseason. — John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026

Here's what to look—and sniff—for. — Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

Verb

The network is also set up to sniff out other viruses of recent concern. — Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2026

The streamer on June 8 dropped an adorable photo of the real Great Dane puppy, as well as a brief teaser video that shows Scooby-Doo sniffing around in the woods before being picked up by Shaggy. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 8 June 2026

Phrases Containing sniff

• sniff (at)