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

A dog, an old beagle with an age-white face, wandered out of the auto-parts store and began to sniff at something on the sidewalk.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd