Synonyms for

Sniffing

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

Definition

Sniffing is the action of inhaling air through the nose to smell something.

Synonyms & similar words

sniff whiff sniffle smelling scenting whiffing snuffling nosing snuffing sniffle snivel snort inhale

Synonyms by register

Formal

olfaction inhalation respiration

Informal

snuffling whiffing snorting

Literary

scenting nasal exploration

Antonyms

ignore disregard overlook neglect unconcern

Common collocations

  • sniffing the air
  • sniffing around
  • sniffing out a deal
  • sniffing glue
  • sniffing the wind
  • sniffing back tears
  • sniffing suspiciously

Word family

noun sniff
verb sniff
adjective sniffy
adverb sniffily

Usage note

The informal sense of 'sniffing' can refer to smelling something subtly or to the act of inhaling through the nose, often audibly. It can also refer to drug abuse (sniffing glue) or to detecting something (sniffing out a bargain).

Example sentences

  1. I saw the dog sniffing the flower.
  2. He was caught sniffing the perfume bottle.
  3. She was sniffing the air to find where the food was cooking.
  4. The police dog was sniffing for drugs.
  5. He was sniffing the book to see if it smelled new.

Quotes

  • "Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras
  • "My dog is not a pet. My dog is family." - Unknown
  • "The nose of the bulldog has been slanted backwards so that he can breathe without letting go." - Winston Churchill

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