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
Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
This was a brutal reality check; a sniff of the smelling salts Leeds have been working towards for the past two years.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025
Three straight 100-loss seasons, sniffing an MLB record this year (for the most losses).
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
From pet stores to hardware stores (with aisles as long as some street blocks), your dog will get in plenty of sniffs, pets, and some light exercise.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
This was a brutal reality check; a sniff of the smelling salts Leeds have been working towards for the past two years.
—Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
Because despite their wealth and power, NFL and Fox Sports executives are at heart jock-sniffing dorks who will do anything to appease a good sports player, and pretty blonde girls.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2025
Three straight 100-loss seasons, sniffing an MLB record this year (for the most losses).
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 21 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
Gently shake the bag to distribute the scent over all the mix.—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
-
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Loaded with fresh herbs, celery, and poultry seasoning, this cornbread smells like Thanksgiving in a skillet.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Now everybody smells what The Rock is cooking – even Oscar.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The nose is captivating with aromas of brown sugar, caramel corn, and vanilla mingle with wood and a hint of cherry.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Focus on the aroma, colors, and textures of the food on your plate.—
Violeta Valdés,
Vogue,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Simply inhaling for four counts and exhaling for four counts brings oxygen to your muscles, reducing the emotion's intensity and relaxing the body.—
Juli Fraga,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
-
Medicines needing to be inhaled or smoked are prohibited unless in a prescribed inhaler.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share