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

So in the interest of self-improvement, I open my pack of what look like markers and sniff at them one by one.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025

The child of today, spoiled for choice in targeted programming, might sniff at the old shows, but a CGI “Pufnstuf,” which happily no one has proposed, would be all but pointless, and potentially depressing.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2023

“India is working with great fervor with Israel on defense and technology, and Adani now has a port there. You think the Indian government can sniff at that?” said Bhaskar.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 2, 2023

He watched the tiny ink Mrs. Norris turn left and pause to sniff at something on the floor.

From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling