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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.

Danoff’s long success was due in part to his ability to sniff out large growth companies early and ride them for years of gains.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 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

In some cases, the officers are meant to sniff out any scent of treason or collaboration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 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

The only reason I was checking for him was because he could always sniff out stuff like raggedy shoes, or whatever, not that he would've tried me two days in a row.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds