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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sniff
Emily Price, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The researchers found that male cats described by their owners as neurotic would sniff each tube repeatedly, while more relaxed males were more satisfied with just a short sniff.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
In video footage of his first day back on the job, Freddie behaves confidently, assessing the airport terminal happenings, rising on his hind legs to sniff a mountain of luggage and happily snarfing a treat.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
Then, bring the glass to your nose and take a short, gentle sniff.
—Emily Price, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
The researchers found that male cats described by their owners as neurotic would sniff each tube repeatedly, while more relaxed males were more satisfied with just a short sniff.
—Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 June 2025
Verb
The pair reportedly partnered on the purchase after rumors began swirling that the Church of Scientology was sniffing around as potential buyers.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
In video footage of his first day back on the job, Freddie behaves confidently, assessing the airport terminal happenings, rising on his hind legs to sniff a mountain of luggage and happily snarfing a treat.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 13 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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The new scent — which opens with bergamot, ginger and cardamom, has orange blossom at its heart and is grounded with warm woods and patchouli — evokes a full-circle moment for Butler.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Lemongrass is a grass-like plant with a lemon scent and citrus taste.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
31 July 2025
Verb
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Your laundry room will smell a bit like ozone (think of how the air smells after a thunderstorm) but that's the only indicator that anything is different.—
Anthony Karcz,
Forbes.com,
26 July 2025
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Court documents said Royster’s breath smelled strongly of alcohol.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
24 July 2025
Noun
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The whiskey features aromas of toasted nuts, café mocha, and vanilla.—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
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Balancing different spirits, syrups, and mixers is what will distinguish a superb drink with nuanced flavors and aromas from a concoction that tastes like something banned by the Geneva Convention.—
Wilder Davies,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 July 2025
Verb
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When someone ingests or inhales lead particles, the body confuses them with other minerals, Del Rio said.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
30 July 2025
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Adding a few drops of essential oil to hot water and inhaling the steam can be beneficial for relieving congestion.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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