Multiplexing the sensor array can save the time and sensor elements in detection of various unknowns. However, sometimes, that method compromises the sensitivity of a sensor system. Alternatively, a sequential on−off strategy can be applied in a sensor array to enhance the sensitivity. In this strategy, instead of separating individual sensor elements, sequential addition of quenching and masking agents to the pre-established sensor array can enhance the signal output information, sensitivity, and classification accuracy. Herein, three different quantum dots, that is, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs), MoS 2 quantum dots (MQD) and WS 2 quantum dots (WQD) were used as fluorescent receptors for the sensing of nitroaromatic compounds. These electron-rich quantum dots with versatile surface property provide an array based on the quenching efficiency of nitroaromatic compounds. By using standard array-based sensing, we were not able to classify a large number of nitroaromatic compounds, whereas 100% classification was achieved by employing the suitable surface functionality and sequential on−off strategy. Furthermore, we have studied the mechanism of sequential sensing. According to the optical study, the primary inner-filter effect plays an important role in the quenching of fluorescence intensity of quantum dots. Fluorescence lifetime measurement suggests that AuNCs exhibit the dynamic mode of quenching and transition-metal dichalcogenide quantum dots (MQD and WQD) exhibit the static mode of quenching. This developed methodology can be extended to sensing of other analytes.