ODOR Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'odor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma , scent , and smell . While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell . // a cheese with a strong odor

Q: When might 'aroma' be a better fit than 'odor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor , aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor. // the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Q: When would 'scent' be a good substitute for 'odor'?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant. // the scent of lilacs

Q: In what contexts can 'smell' take the place of 'odor'?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character. // an odd smell permeated the room

odor

noun

ˈō-dər

Definition of odor next

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something the antique shop, with its collection of strange and curious items, held an odor of mysticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in scent

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose some people find the odor of skunk rather pleasant

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general her movie career has not been in good odor since her latest box office failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun odor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When might aroma be a better fit than odor?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

When would scent be a good substitute for odor?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

In what contexts can smell take the place of odor?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of odor The target odors were pangolin scales, rhino horns, elephant tusks and African blackwood, a tree that is often used to make musical instruments. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024 Garcia’s other family members in her room noticed an odor coming from her, then turned her over and saw a loose bandage on her backside that was beginning to peel back. —

Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2024 The suit claims the lagoon is the source of a noxious fumes and odors and resulted in economic loss to Spinas, according to a news release issued by the attorneys. —

Randal Seyler, arkansasonline.com, 21 Oct. 2024 The more than half century old landfill, located north of Los Angeles, has seen an uptick of odor complaints in recent years. —

Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for odor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor

Noun

Sedona is a playground for all kinds of people, with interests as wide-ranging as fortune telling, aura reading, and crystal healing to mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and trail running.

Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
Sports columnist Greg Moore explains Conner's intangible 'swag' and 'aura' that are tough to replace.

Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 30 Oct. 2024