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
Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Pro wrestling legend Eric Bischoff helped change the industry in the 1990s, but there was one storyline that didn’t pass the sniff test, much to the former executive producer’s chagrin.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024
Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
That authenticity is key to connecting with more online audiences, who easily sniff out virtue signaling, Literat said.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Noun
But when participants were in a room without strong smells, those exploratory sniffs largely did not occur, and the breathing patterns of both smelling and non-smelling people looked very similar.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Pro wrestling legend Eric Bischoff helped change the industry in the 1990s, but there was one storyline that didn’t pass the sniff test, much to the former executive producer’s chagrin.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 18 Nov. 2024
Verb
The only way to sniff a Stanley Cup parade would be to rebuild a team that aged out.
—Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
That authenticity is key to connecting with more online audiences, who easily sniff out virtue signaling, Literat said.
—Ella Lee, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
-
Prouvost engage audiences in quantum fundamentals not through complex explanations of concepts like qubits, but through video and sound developed with a quantum computer, as well scent and sculptural elements reflecting quantum phenomena.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Bring them into your home, too — at least the scent of them with this Yankee Candle.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Gleaming statement bottle aside, this smells rich and indulgent without smacking you in the face.—
Jenny Berg,
Allure,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Essential oils: These can help your home and car smell good and mask odors.—
Joe Difazio,
USA Today,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The restaurant’s lushly landscaped garden is ready to seat as many as 1,000 customers, and the aromas of cheese enchiladas and fajitas—recipes perfected over 89 years—fill the air.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Another great one is the 4-7-8 breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system: inhale for four counts, hold for seven and exhale slowly for eight.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sniff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sniff. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share