sniff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sniffnext
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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sniff

2 of 2

verb

ˈsnif How to pronounce sniff (audio)
as in to smell
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 sniff
Noun
Every sniff and sip unlocks a new avenue of flavor, from sugary sweets to citrus to orchard fruit to earthiness and herbal spice. — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 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
Verb
Dogs and cats may be triggered by this distinctive smell and show unusual behavior when skunks are nearby, such as sniffing or pawing the dirt around the burrow or becoming more protective by growling or hovering near the entrance. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026 In the late 1950s, Johnny and Vivian Cash, his first wife, along with their three daughters, moved from Memphis, Tennessee to California as the fabled singer sniffed out a potential career in Hollywood, like his contemporary Elvis Presley. — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aroma
  4. inhale
Noun
  • These aren’t leather scents (new cars, edgy jackets, saddles), which have been done since 1781, when The House of Creed first made Royal English Leather for King George III.
    — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • With consistent use, our top picks also helped improve the appearance of discoloration, bumps, and uneven tone, while offering a pleasant scent and comfortable wear.
    — Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of scent
Verb
  • For example, one version of the chemical carvone smells like mint, while the other has a whiff of caraway, a spice often used in rye bread.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The attorneys said detainees have complained about going three to seven hours without water, and about having access only to tap water that tastes like metal and smells like fish.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • These casual spaces will draw you in with the aroma of baked cheese, usually with a barrel of buñuelos (perfectly round, crisp cheese balls) frying at the entrance.
    — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle Salt & Stone’s best-selling santal and vetiver scent brings the aroma of a crackling bonfire, minus the excessive smoke inhalation.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of aroma
Verb
  • Delphi sits above a geologic vent, an X from which noxious gases escaped the earth, corrupting the minds of women who inhaled and pronounced their prophecies.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The chemical is highly corrosive, toxic when inhaled or touched, and flammable under specific concentrations.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of inhale

Phrases Containing sniff

Browse Nearby Words

snide
sniff
sniff (at)
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Cite this Entry

“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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