as in scents
the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose
we took a good sniff of the sauce, trying to guess its ingredients
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Recent Examples of sniffs
Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
McInerney fans may take a few sniffs opening weekend, and Fox fans may hole up for a couple weeks of curious glances, but Bright Lights boxoffice prospects seem mighty dim.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
There are loud sniffs and some sobs.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
When Cody the golden retriever was introduced to his new sibling, his owner probably would have hoped for some happy tail wags and some curious sniffs to show his curiosity.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Just a few kilometers away, a black bear sniffs and studies the device tethering it to a tree.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
From pet stores to hardware stores (with aisles as long as some street blocks), your dog will get in plenty of sniffs, pets, and some light exercise.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Tovar is the one officer who immediately sniffs out that there’s something weird about Gacy, and Luna incrementally nudges the character further and further into obsession.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The picture shows them on the floor together with Comet fully exposing his belly, a sign of trust, while Dottie sniffs him.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Lina sniffs, stamps her feet in the snow to make her own set of giant prints to frighten this creature.
—Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
On play two, Moore sniffs out the reverse from deep alignment, takes a sharp angle to the ball and makes the open-field stop.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
In one recent video, Stella sniffs Mia’s infant daughter and then presses the button for her name.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
Inside the stables, the family’s other two horses greeted Troy with affectionate sniffs, snuggles and neighs.
—Madeline King, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
McInerney fans may take a few sniffs opening weekend, and Fox fans may hole up for a couple weeks of curious glances, but Bright Lights boxoffice prospects seem mighty dim.
—Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
There are loud sniffs and some sobs.
—Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2026
When Cody the golden retriever was introduced to his new sibling, his owner probably would have hoped for some happy tail wags and some curious sniffs to show his curiosity.
—Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
Just a few kilometers away, a black bear sniffs and studies the device tethering it to a tree.
—Ganesh Marín, The Dial, 7 Oct. 2025
From pet stores to hardware stores (with aisles as long as some street blocks), your dog will get in plenty of sniffs, pets, and some light exercise.
—Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the video, Chilli sniffs large bricks to locate the scent a trainer shared with him.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
Tovar is the one officer who immediately sniffs out that there’s something weird about Gacy, and Luna incrementally nudges the character further and further into obsession.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
The picture shows them on the floor together with Comet fully exposing his belly, a sign of trust, while Dottie sniffs him.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Lina sniffs, stamps her feet in the snow to make her own set of giant prints to frighten this creature.
—Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
On play two, Moore sniffs out the reverse from deep alignment, takes a sharp angle to the ball and makes the open-field stop.
—Dane Brugler, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
In one recent video, Stella sniffs Mia’s infant daughter and then presses the button for her name.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniffs
Noun
-
The best plants that repel pests naturally Some plants earn their reputation as pest fighters because their natural oils and scents are simply too strong for bugs to tolerate.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
The brand expanded into fragrance with its Best of Beauty-winning Honey Infused Hair Perfumes in several dreamy scents, including classic Wildflower Honey, floral Wild Rose, and vibrant Lavender Berry.—
Kara Nesvig,
Allure,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Think of the way the path smells ahead of you, think of the freedom the wind is blowing your way.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
9 May 2026
-
If anything looks or smells suspicious, avoid taking risks and get rid of it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
From music curation and glassware to the endless combinations of flavors, aromas, textures and colors inspired by the Riviera Maya, sgnature mixology is led by José Luis Hinostroza, bringing a contemporary and creative vision to every creation.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Don’t miss Shinrin-Yoku, a crisp and delicate Japanese-style rice lager, or the ever-popular Sightglass IPA, built on a pilsner malt base with aromas of berry and key lime.—
Vivian Chung,
Travel + Leisure,
14 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sniffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffs. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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