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
Heather Cruickshank, SELF, 23 Nov. 2024
The group with anosmia didn’t have these sniffs, which suggests they’re used for smell detection.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Sure, real Hermès Birkin owners can sniff out the difference 5,000 miles away and may scoff at a bag that’s literally tens of thousands of dollars less, but people are saying the $229 version is high quality, gorgeous, and is giving Hermès a run for its money.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sniff 
Noun
Treat stains and odors While your mattress is bare, give it a good look over—and a sniff too.
—Heather Cruickshank, SELF, 23 Nov. 2024
The group with anosmia didn’t have these sniffs, which suggests they’re used for smell detection.
—Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
The guides here are known for being able to sniff out powder even several days after a storm.
—Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Sure, real Hermès Birkin owners can sniff out the difference 5,000 miles away and may scoff at a bag that’s literally tens of thousands of dollars less, but people are saying the $229 version is high quality, gorgeous, and is giving Hermès a run for its money.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sniff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sniff
Noun
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Eyewitnesses recalled the scent of burning, with guests’ screams filling the upper floors of the hotel.—
Alex Stambaugh,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
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The smell of smoke briefly overwhelmed the scent of Carlene Sutherland’s cherry pie and Sharon Tanner’s vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA TODAY,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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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
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The plan to move water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta downstate was nixed after environmental groups opposed it because of its potential impact on endangered salmon and smelt.—
Kevin Dolak,
The Hollywood Reporter,
24 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Expect Cycladic charm with whitewashed walls and warm natural textures, all surrounded by aromas of thyme and lavender.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2025
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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
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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
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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 3 Feb. 2025.
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