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sniff Synonyms

Another word for sniff

Choosing another word for sniff depends on context, so the 32 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

An act or sound of drawing in air audibly through the nose, typically to smell something or to stop one's nose from running.

Usage Example

"She took a deep whiff of the freshly brewed coffee before taking her first sip."

Strongest
whiff
Strong
snuffle
sniffle
inhalation
breath
Weak
snort

• verb (Context 2)

To draw in air audibly through the nose in order to detect a smell, to clear the nasal passages, or while crying.

Usage Example

"The dog began to smell eagerly around the base of the oak tree."

Strongest
smell
snuffle
Strong
sniffle
inhale
scent
snuff
breathe in

• noun (Context 3)

A slight trace, hint, or indication of something.

Usage Example

"At the first hint of controversy, the sponsors withdrew their financial support."

Strongest
hint
trace
whiff
Strong
suggestion
inkling
glimmer
whisper
indication
sign

• verb (Context 4)

To say something or react in a way that shows contempt, disdain, or resentment, accompanied by a sharp inhalation through the nose.

Usage Example

"The critic sniffed at the idea that popular fiction could have lasting literary merit."

Strongest
scoff
Strong
sneer
snort
pooh-pooh
disdain
scorn
look down on

• noun (Context 5)

An audible inhalation through the nose made as an expression of scorn, disdain, or skepticism.

Usage Example

"He dismissed the unconventional proposal with a haughty snort."

Strongest
snort
Strong
sneer
scoff

• verb (Context 6)

To perceive, detect, or sense something incipient or hidden through intuition or investigation.

Usage Example

"Seasoned journalists can quickly detect a potential cover-up."

Strongest
detect
sense
smell
sniff out
Strong
scent
perceive
discern
spot
pick up on

Opposites of sniff

The opposite of sniff shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

exhale
overlook
breathe out
applaud
exhalation
miss
admire
praise
See all opposites of sniff

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Sniff. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/sniff
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