as in scent
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 sniff
Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2024
One by one the fragrance inside each of the six Bottega Veneta bottles was misted onto blotter strips for a first sniff.
—Paige Stables, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024
Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Sandoval’s first maneuver — sniff out the Traitors immediately after Cumming secretly selects them by assessing irregularities in the other players’ behavior — is how many past competitors approached the game.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sniff 
Noun
But with a lot of hockey left to play, the B’s did not give the explosive Canucks a sniff.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2024
One by one the fragrance inside each of the six Bottega Veneta bottles was misted onto blotter strips for a first sniff.
—Paige Stables, Allure, 25 Nov. 2024
Verb
Long known for its ability to sniff out up-and-coming brands and hidden gems, the event is the largest such spirit competition in the world.
—Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Sandoval’s first maneuver — sniff out the Traitors immediately after Cumming secretly selects them by assessing irregularities in the other players’ behavior — is how many past competitors approached the game.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
Or even better, opt for a scratch-n-sniff version that reveals the yummy scent of chocolate.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
Fox News,
31 Jan. 2025
-
Zyn nicotine pouches — which have become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes or vaping, due to their lack of smoke or scent — have been found to contain ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde and nickel, according to a 2023 study from BMC Chemistry.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The demands of California’s agriculture and population growth have had severe consequences for native fish species since the early 20th century, with roughly 80% of previous populations of native salmon, trout, sturgeon and the delta smelt.—
Ari Plachta,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Jan. 2025
-
Trump's claims that measures to protect the delta smelt, an endangered fish, upstate affected L.A.'s water supply are false, according to Ashley Overhouse, a California water policy adviser for the nonprofit conservation organization Defenders of Wildlife.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Expect Cycladic charm with whitewashed walls and warm natural textures, all surrounded by aromas of thyme and lavender.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2025
-
Because butter’s subtle flavor can readily take on strong aromas, store butter away from pungent foods, such as onions, citrus, or herbs.—
Annie Peterson,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
No injuries were reported, though one man was taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure after inhaling some smoke.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Jan. 2025
-
When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
28 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near sniff
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share