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
Myla Mae then explored more of her new toys, sniffing them and moving them around the house, her tail wagging the whole time.
—
Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
There’s a narcotic detective, Roman (Regina King), who’s aggressively sniffing around after Hank catches a serious beating.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 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
Then an amateur true crime enthusiasts starts sniffing around and the pair have a decision to make that could end in blood or worse — love.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
An expensive decision with global impact Together, the OCO-2, a free-flying satellite, and OCO-3, which is mounted on the International Space Station, measure the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, specifically sniffing out climate pollution.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
The mall then added more security measures including a gun-sniffing dog and a greater police presence.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
Mateck said the sheriff’s office also brings one of its bomb-sniffing canine officers and some of its partner agencies bringing their K-9s.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Models are sniffing out the possibility that one of those waves coming off of the African coast will develop further.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 2025
There’s a narcotic detective, Roman (Regina King), who’s aggressively sniffing around after Hank catches a serious beating.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 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
Then an amateur true crime enthusiasts starts sniffing around and the pair have a decision to make that could end in blood or worse — love.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 24 Aug. 2025
An expensive decision with global impact Together, the OCO-2, a free-flying satellite, and OCO-3, which is mounted on the International Space Station, measure the composition of the Earth’s atmosphere, specifically sniffing out climate pollution.
—Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2025
The mall then added more security measures including a gun-sniffing dog and a greater police presence.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Aug. 2025
Mateck said the sheriff’s office also brings one of its bomb-sniffing canine officers and some of its partner agencies bringing their K-9s.
—Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2025
Models are sniffing out the possibility that one of those waves coming off of the African coast will develop further.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffing
Verb
-
In front of a packed crowd of surgeons, Morton asked Abbott to breathe in the fumes of a sweet-smelling liquid, known as ether, contained inside a small glass sphere.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The two pups immediately start smelling each other and wagging their tails, clearly stating their approval of one another.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
To fill the void, Potato grabbed his dad's shirt and cuddled with it, inhaling the scent of his human.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
-
Each of his patients—like everyone—is already inhaling, drinking, and eating microplastics just by living in the world.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
25 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffing. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share