sniff at

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.

This is the evidence Robinson believes can be England's X-factor at the World Cup, irrespective of those "purists" who may sniff at such an approach.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

It was about 8:30 p.m. when the spotted beast appeared and stopped to sniff at mountain lion scat before opening its jaw.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2024

Stray dogs wander across a disused dry dock and sniff at piles of rusted metal.

From New York Times • Aug. 19, 2022

Some professional food-tasters might sniff at my feelings about a pea-protein patty, but no matter.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2021

Oscar was really taking his own sweet time, stopping to sniff at every bush, every tossed fast-food wrapper.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English