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

Closer to home in the present, the telescope will sniff at the atmospheres of planets orbiting nearby stars, looking for the infrared signatures of elements and molecules associated with life, like oxygen and water.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 25, 2021

Miss Hilly sniff at me and say, “It’s not worth my time.”

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett