sniffing

Definition of sniffingnext
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 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 Partovi – an investor with a knack for sniffing out opportunity – saw potential. Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 24 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 Go on fungi-finding forays with truffle-sniffing dogs at the Oregon Truffle Festival, or attend epicurean bashes like Alt Wine Fest, Queer Wine Fest, AAPI Food & Wine Festival, and the International Pinot Noir Celebration. Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026 Various nemeses and side characters enter the fray, from Jim’s archenemy (and also Insta-famous) Pavel to the scally with a sneaker-sniffing fetish who guides Jim and Lucien to their next destination. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 17 May 2026 Search the internet and there are coaches and players spotted sniffing the ammonia inhalants before a game, with their instant reactions — a noticeable head jerk or contorted face — going viral. Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 May 2026 One of the most alarming dangers is something called sudden sniffing death syndrome. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffing
Verb
  • Panish replayed for jurors testimony from Grossman’s daughter that, soon after the collision, Erickson arrived at the house smelling of alcohol.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
  • In the bathrooms there are fluffy robes, cool-white marble and delicious-smelling Memo Paris bath products (the luxury perfume house was co-founded by a Tipperary man and now has a store on rue Cambon in Paris opposite Chanel).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Take 30 to 40 deep cyclical breaths, inhaling fully into the belly and chest, exhaling without force.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026
  • People typically become infected with the virus by inhaling microscopic particles from these rodents' urine, feces or saliva, according to Stanford Health.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 18 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sniffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffing. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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