Synonyms for

Sniff

Verb / snɪf / Another word for sniff — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To breathe in quickly through your nose to smell something.

Synonyms & similar words

snuff whiff sniffle smell snuff snort whiff inhale scent snuffle sniffle detect sniffle sniffle snuffle

Synonyms by register

Formal

inhale snuffle

Informal

sniffle whiff snort

Literary

nasalize scent

Antonyms

ignore disregard overlook neglect dismiss

Common collocations

  • sniff the air
  • sniff around
  • sniff out
  • sniff test
  • sniff of trouble
  • sniffed back tears
  • sniff suspiciously

Word family

noun sniff
verb sniff
adjective sniffy

Usage note

The verb 'sniff' can refer to the act of smelling, or to the sound made when inhaling through the nose, often to suppress emotion or clear the nasal passages. Be mindful of context to distinguish between these meanings.

Example sentences

  1. I sniffed the flowers in the garden.
  2. The dog sniffed the ground for a bone.
  3. She sniffed the milk to see if it was still good.
  4. He sniffed the air for any signs of danger.
  5. The chef sniffed the spices to make sure they were fresh.

Quotes

  • I love the smell of fresh bread. Whenever I walk into a bakery, I take a deep sniff and feel happy.
  • A dog's sense of smell is incredible. They can sniff out things humans can't even imagine.
  • Sometimes, a good sniff can bring back happy memories of childhood.

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