Thesaurus results for SNIFFING

sniffing

verb

present participle of sniff

as in smelling

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 sniffing Ormund is introduced in the third-season premiere issuing orders at his army’s encampment and then, with a put-upon air, closely sniffing his pomander as if offended by the whole dreary business. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026 Both EagleShield and All Day West will perform inspections using bedbug-sniffing dogs after treatment is complete, Guillén wrote. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026 This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves. — Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026 Musk and SpaceX have a true nose for money, including sniffing out government infusions and contracts. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 20 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 The Pelicans just played a season with their current core and won 26 games, putting them miles away from even sniffing postseason play. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 May 2026 Security was beefed up at the hall, with guards and metal detectors stationed at every entrance and explosive-sniffing dogs patrolling the hallways. — ABC News, 26 May 2026 There’s a big fight with Dogknott and Sheline who, in-between sniffing one another’s butts, start massacring the test audience. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffing

Verb

Workers inside the CalEPA headquarters reported smelling natural gas on some of the building’s upper floors.

— Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026
This fascinating plant secretes a sweet-smelling nectar along the edges of its leaves to attract ants, spiders, crickets, and other bugs.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

Definition of smelling

Verb

Avoid inhaling the dust—even food-grade—as prolonged exposure can irritate the lungs, says Harlow-Ellis.

— Emily Hayes, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026
Gonzalez worked to enforce a roadblock during the chemical plume without being informed about the dangers of inhaling the chemicals.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 23 June 2026