sniffs 1 of 2

plural of sniff
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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sniffs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sniff
as in smells
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose a curious cat sniffing the flowers in the garden

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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 sniffs
Noun
After getting some quick sniffs in and padding around the yard for a while, Jimothy retreated into the bushes surrounding the yard. — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026 Fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides sit right where your dog sniffs and walks. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026 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
Verb
But Jones sniffs out the option run on fourth down and tackle Jake Shockley in the backfield. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2026 Luz inserts the construction pole; Susana sniffs. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026 The look of sheer repressed, stymied rage/laughter on Raph’s face when Paul sniffs the Oreos instead is one of the episode’s biggest laughs. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026 In the video, Chilli sniffs large bricks to locate the scent a trainer shared with him. — Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026 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 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
  • Dove’s next refillable moves — line extensions, new scents or a men’s version — as a gauge of internal commitment.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, memories and scents are so interconnected that it’s widely believed there’s no such thing as a universally appealing smell.
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Unsuspecting shoppers inevitably will be lured by the delicious smells — and perhaps find their new favorite food court vendor.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Foul smells, texture changes, or mold are signs that food is spoiled and should be discarded.
    — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Friday afternoon brought entertainment on 11 stages, a tempting hodgepodge of aromas from 50-plus food vendors and street tents filled with offerings from 125-plus artists as Oakland County’s 28-year tradition kicked off the first of four days.
    — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Macabeo adds floral aromas to the finished wine, while Xarel-lo adds body, and Parellada adds fruit flavors.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The child inhales for four counts, holds for four counts, exhales for four counts and holds again for four counts.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The chemical is particularly tough on the human respiratory system and, depending on how much a person inhales, MMA can cause everything from sore throats and cough to dizziness, nausea and, at the highest levels, damage to the nervous system, Kleinman said.
    — Sierra van der Brug, Oc Register, 23 May 2026

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“Sniffs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniffs. Accessed 24 Sep. 2026.

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