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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sniff
Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Pro wrestling legend Eric Bischoff helped change the industry in the 1990s, but there was one storyline that didn’t pass the sniff test, much to the former executive producer’s chagrin.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024
EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
But when participants were in a room without strong smells, those exploratory sniffs largely did not occur, and the breathing patterns of both smelling and non-smelling people looked very similar.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Pro wrestling legend Eric Bischoff helped change the industry in the 1990s, but there was one storyline that didn’t pass the sniff test, much to the former executive producer’s chagrin.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
During their chat, Barrymore’s dog Douglas, who frequently walks around on set during the show, hopped up on the couch and began curiously sniffing Blanco’s mouth.
—EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.
—Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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Both scents are available in body sprays and aluminum-free deodorant sticks, joining AXE’s existing lineup of fan favorites like Blue Lavender and Black Vanilla.—
Cassell Ferere,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.—
Carly Totten,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Gleaming statement bottle aside, this smells rich and indulgent without smacking you in the face.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Essential oils: These can help your home and car smell good and mask odors.—
Joe Difazio,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While many versions of the aroma exist, feeding the line with new facets helps Mugler continue to tell the story.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
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Chilean coastal Pinot Noir showcases vibrant colors—slightly more intense than cool-climate counterparts elsewhere due to the intense afternoon sunlight—with characteristic sweet and sour cherry aromas complemented by wet earth notes and silky textures.—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The coast was intertwined with every aspect of our time on Izu Peninsula, from watching waves crash on seaside rocks and inhaling the salty sea scent to seeing shrines nestled by the water, like at Shirahama Shrine’s torii gate.—
Kristen E. Pope,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
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Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.—
Marley Dickinson,
Outside Online,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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