sniff
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Officials such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the plan was to right-size the staff and introduce more technology to sniff out unpaid tax bills.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 5, 2026
As Kidd looks around and watches strangers become friends over a sniff of musk or jasmine, he reflects on part of the magic of the Smellers Club and other fragrance communities.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 19, 2026
This week, Brett Berk reports on efforts to develop AI-powered e-noses that can smell health conditions, sniff out airborne contaminants, or even develop perfumes more quickly and cheaply.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026
The e-noses can sniff out the unique signatures of volatile organic compounds not only in the breath, but in excretions like sweat or urine, and have AI quickly identify them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026
“Get along, you fright!” screamed Polly, and at that rude speech Amy could not restrain a sniff.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
It sniffs out patterns invisible to the eye, predicts moves before the market even breathes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2025
Before long, Gaga’s version of her wicked queen sniffs out her prey.
From Salon ● Apr. 16, 2025
Somewhere in the mountains of southeastern Spain, a tiny wood mouse sniffs the nutty, alluring aroma of acorns.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 29, 2024
Marie Navarro tells her dad as she sniffs the dish.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 27, 2023
She puts it to her nose and sniffs it like she does to all of her food.
From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake
The male bear—later identified as a known burglar named Judy—moseyed into a bathroom, put its paws on the counter and sniffed a tube of toothpaste before leaving.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026
Anthropic’s Claude sniffed out a bevy of bugs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
A reviewer in Britain's Guardian newspaper sniffed that "an undeniable strain of sentimentalism runs throughout" the book and its prose.
From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026
“Then why do you have a cat?” one guy asked, as Seuss sniffed his pant cuff suspiciously.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 6, 2025
She looked puzzled for a moment—no doubt she had never sniffed an ostrich before —and licked her chops with enthusiasm.
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
He spent a full minute sniffing my legs and shoes, after coming up to Viana to be petted.
From Slate ● May 27, 2026
Sheriff’s deputies credit two K-9s with saving a life after sniffing out a missing woman who had fallen 200 feet down a steep ravine in the San Bernardino Mountains, officials say.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 24, 2026
She spent 14% of her time in the opposition box, sniffing out chances and occupying centre-backs.
From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2026
“Admissions officers are professionals at sniffing that out,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 16, 2026
The instant he stepped down into the parking lot, though, he started working his nose and sniffing at the breeze.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
Vocabulary lists containing sniff
Smell Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Growing Together" and "When I Grow Up"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Cormac McCarthy's "The Road"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
