1
2
as in to sense
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in scent
the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose
the smell of vanilla is supposed to be very soothing
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in splash
a very small amount
the pie has barely a smell of ginger, but lots of cinnamon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something
a law firm with a mahogany-lined boardroom that has the discernible smell of money and power
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smell
Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Environmental groups, however, argue that the rules introduced by the Biden and Newsom administrations are even more damaging, offering weaker protections for the state’s iconic Chinook salmon, the endangered Delta smelt and other species.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Refined olive oil is also heated to high temperatures, which reduces its nutrition, smell, and flavor.
—Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
But, even with this major shortcoming, my home still felt much cleaner, smelled fresher, and honestly felt even a tad bit more peaceful at the end of the day.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Environmental groups, however, argue that the rules introduced by the Biden and Newsom administrations are even more damaging, offering weaker protections for the state’s iconic Chinook salmon, the endangered Delta smelt and other species.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
Regardless of the reason, as long as there are no signs of spoilage (off smells, wrinkly skin, mold, extreme softness, brown skin), the limes should be A-OK to use for up to 2 weeks after purchase when stored in the refrigerator.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Feb. 2025
Refined olive oil is also heated to high temperatures, which reduces its nutrition, smell, and flavor.
—Patty Weasler, Rn, Bsn, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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In recent years, one of the busiest weeks in the publishing calendar has seen something of a small and big screen invasion, as producers and agents sniffing out the next Normal People, Lessons in Chemistry or Conclave descend on the English capital to see what’s what.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
10 Mar. 2025
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The first segment of the video shows the mom cradling tiny Kobe in her arms while Ruben, the older , stands on his hind legs, eagerly sniffing his new sibling with his tail wagging enthusiastically.—
Lydia Patrick,
Newsweek,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The vehicle is also sensing the motion of the moon, Tim Crain, IM’s chief technology officer, said.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN,
6 Mar. 2025
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Generally, retail executives sense heightened uncertainty in the air this year compared to last year, which after the presidential election and declines in the prices of general merchandise and oil, saw a spike in spending during the holiday season.—
David Moin,
WWD,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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That’s the fun thing for me, is there’s no reason the next one couldn’t suck back in and be a chamber piece again.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Sep. 2022
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Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Verb
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Respiratory problems: Regurgitated stomach acids that reach the back of your throat can be inhaled and cause irritation in your lungs and airways.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
7 Mar. 2025
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Over time, those items break down into tiny bits that people can inhale, ingest, or absorb through their skin.—
Claire Bugos,
Verywell Health,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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All three of those Grizzlies defeats were decided in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, but the loss of Jackson will be the one that’s felt the most.—
William Guillory,
The Athletic,
5 Mar. 2025
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Leading companies like Amazon, Netflix and Spotify have set a high bar with hyper-personalized recommendations that feel intuitive rather than intrusive.—
Deepak Bansal,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Seattle saw some of Darnold’s best work up close in Minnesota’s Week 16 win at Lumen Field.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
The Athletic,
11 Mar. 2025
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Houston, which used just three reserves the majority of the night before emptying its bench in the final minutes, saw its bench total 25.—
Jason Beede,
Orlando Sentinel,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Since the shipyard and studio were already familiar with the owners wants and tastes, their collaboration, along with Margherita Casprini designing the interiors, aligned perfectly with the owner’s vision.—
Bill Springer,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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Roasted Parmesan Broccoli True fans know broccoli tastes great, no matter how it’s prepared.—
Jennifer Adams,
StyleCaster,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have been spotted out and about with their three children, and people are noticing their closeness.—
Lea Veloso,
StyleCaster,
7 Mar. 2025
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The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas keeps a tally of layoff notices.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
7 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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