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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.

This week, Brett Berk reports on efforts to develop AI-powered e-noses that can smell health conditions, sniff out airborne contaminants, or even develop perfumes more quickly and cheaply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

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

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

He’s been riding the tide of public opinion for so long that he can sniff out a change in the current before anyone sees it.

From Salon • Aug. 22, 2024

In his many journeyings among strangers the boy had learned to sniff out danger and spot orneriness quickly.

From "Sounder" by William H. Armstrong