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 Linebacker Chase Smith sniffed out the run and got the fourth-down stop. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 4 Oct. 2026 In the late 1950s, Johnny and Vivian Cash, his first wife, along with their three daughters, moved from Memphis, Tennessee to California as the fabled singer sniffed out a potential career in Hollywood, like his contemporary Elvis Presley. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 When The Associated Press visited Sunday, Tigrino cautiously emerged from his shelter, sniffed the air and paced around for a few minutes before slipping back into the foliage. — ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026 The final three possessions to determine the winner included a screen pass sniffed out by Lawrence, tipped in the air and intercepted. — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Special Narcotics Prosecutor's Office They were flagged as suspicious at a UPS facility in Queens after a K9 sniffed out the drugs. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The team also observed fewer responses to urine odors the test cats had previously sniffed after a few months, suggesting that cats have a long-term memory for urine scents. — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026 Barkley sniffed the patient all over, and pointed right at her neck, around where the thyroid is located. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 11 Aug. 2026 There was the guy Daemon stabbed through the ear, and then the smelly killers Gwayne sniffed out, and now Ser Adrian, who took a knife to the throat within seconds of seeing Aemond. — Brian Grubb, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffed
Verb
  • The L'Occitane Jasmine & Bergamot products smelled good and did the job.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In my early memories, my grandfather had smelled like carpet cleaner.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Delphi sits above a geologic vent, an X from which noxious gases escaped the earth, corrupting the minds of women who inhaled and pronounced their prophecies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The chemical is highly corrosive, toxic when inhaled or touched, and flammable under specific concentrations.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sniffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffed. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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