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 Dogs and cats may be triggered by this distinctive smell and show unusual behavior when skunks are nearby, such as sniffing or pawing the dirt around the burrow or becoming more protective by growling or hovering near the entrance. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026 Though Leighton appears in front of their home at the end of the episode, the Dessens don’t realize that the MacNamara of their analog world has been sniffing around, too. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 But when the Orcs come sniffing, those same qualities transform him from fun-loving hobbit to fierce protector. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026 Vocal tics may range from throat clearing and sniffing to repeating words or sounds. — Michael Okun, The Conversation, 9 Sep. 2026 The 39-year-old, who has been arrested multiple times in Burbank and Glendale, was taken into custody on suspicion of violating terms of his probation from a previous arrest linked to sniffing women’s rears. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Less than a month later, he was arrested again after allegedly sniffing another woman’s butt at a Walgreens in Burbank. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026 In sniffing out the many, many chemical compounds that naked mole rats produce, scientists found that isopropyl myristate was common among queens and queens alone. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026 Mondon, a 2025 fifth-round pick, opened team drills with the second-team defense by sniffing out a run along the perimeter. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffing

Verb

Redness, open sores, discharge, foul-smelling ears, lumps or recurring skin issues all warrant a vet visit, not a grooming session.

— Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026
Removing a small number of the oldest stems will let the plant continue to grow in a balanced way, and can help your sweet-smelling vines resist winter wind.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of smelling

Verb

Tottenham attempted to offload Bissouma last summer, and the club later initiated another internal investigation after an image leaked of Bissouma inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon again.

— Colin Millar, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
And viral trends like the cinnamon challenge can cause potential injury by accidentally inhaling the powder.

— Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026