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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
This is whimsical at every sniff, from the fizzy first spray to the jammy drydown. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 14 July 2026 Sturgess sprayed it, gave it a sniff and spread some on her wrist. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Verb
Ryder said police got a call about Thompson acting irrationally and possibly sniffing glue. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026 Edge rusher Bud Dupree sniffed out a screen pass and forced a throw in the dirt; then rookie edge rusher Akheem Mesidor had a sack off the edge. — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aroma
  4. inhale
Noun
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The temple's dark roofs slope toward the misty Saitama hills, while the damp mountain air carries the scent of incense from this historic pilgrimage start.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Verb
  • Finding the right concoction to smell like Diet Coke requires a few key elements.
    — Loren Savini, Allure, 13 Aug. 2026
  • One man in his early 20s told me that his childhood friends had been recruited to work in fentanyl labs and would return smelling like chemicals for weeks.
    — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Set over medium heat and warm, stirring continuously to release the tea flavor, color and vanilla-like aroma.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This kit comes with an aroma sample and a felt diffuser—add a few drops of the Bergamot Tea Blossom scent to further enhance your bathing experience.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Verb
  • People are thought to get infected by inhaling the amoeba from windblown dust or by getting contaminated soil or water in a wound.
    — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Also called square breathing, this four-step method asks children to inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts and hold again for four counts.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sniff

Nglish: Translation of sniff for Spanish Speakers

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