Definitions

sniff out

VERB

ferret out

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ascertain bring to light drive out get at uncover unearth

WEAK

be on to chase chase down determine dig out dig up disclose discover elicit extract follow hunt hunt down learn nose out penetrate pick up on pierce probe pry pursue quest root out scout out search out seek smell out smoke out trace track down trail worm out

VERB

seek

Synonyms

STRONGEST

explore follow investigate pursue

STRONG

chase comb delve dragnet fan fish hunt inquire mouse nose prowl quest ransack root scout scratch

WEAK

be after beat the bushes bird-dog bob for cast about delve for dig for ferret out fish for go after gun for leave no stone unturned look about look around look high and low run after search for search out track down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

ignore shun

WEAK

answer find neglect reply

VERB

track/track down

Synonyms

WEAK

apprehend be hot on the trail beat the bushes bird-dog bring to light capture catch chase cover dig up discover do dog dog footsteps of draw an inference expose ferret out find go after hunt piece together put together run down scout shadow smell out stalk stick to tail trace trail travel traverse unearth

Antonyms

WEAK

run away

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.

Just ask Ernie, the canine star of an article about dogs trained to sniff out prison contraband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 23, 2026

Rampling crackles as a matriarch who can sniff out her kids’ lies and insecurities but has the good manners not to say anything.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

The bond vigilantes, as first coined by Wall Street veteran Ed Yardeni, sniff out government largess, corporate profligacy, geopolitical tremors, and inflation risks long before other financial assets and respond in kind.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

The rats are trained to sniff out chemicals that are found in landmines and other weapons abandoned on battlefields.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2025

“Go see if you can sniff out Miss Nita, boy. She’s got to be somewhere.”

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

sniff out

Example Sentences

Related Words