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

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

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

They rode for miles, going slow and careful, dismounting to lead the horses over treacherous ground, letting the good-for- bear-bait hounds sniff at every bush.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin