sniffed

past tense of sniff
as in smelled
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

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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 sniffed Missouri State, which was an FCS team before this season, squeaked out a field goal in its first drive of the game and had the confidence to attempt a reverse flea flicker on its next possession, but USC’s defense sniffed out the play and pushed the Bears back 11 yards. Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 31 Aug. 2025 Even the smallest tendencies get sniffed out quickly. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 They can’t be sniffed over the wire. Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 28 Aug. 2025 Even as someone who sniffed out the KPop Demon Hunters explosion fairly early, the soundtrack has blown away all of my prognostications. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2025 Lali walked over and sniffed Nini’s foot—a unique gesture. Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 Gibbens and Elliss also drilled together on the second-team defense, where Gibbens immediately sniffed out a running back screen. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffed
Verb
  • The vape smoke smelled like unicorn farts.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
  • With no cell service, my two spoiled house pets immediately rebranded themselves as wild animals—sniffing, digging, howling at the moon, and rolling in whatever smelled the worst.
    The Editors, Outside, 26 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wildfire smoke can impact anyone's health when inhaled.
    Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
  • When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sniffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffed. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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