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

Example 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 Permission was given for officers to enter the residence where an unbearable odor emitted. ... Mark Price, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025 This unpleasant odor, Smith explains, is the result of something called asparagusic acid, which is unique to the vegetable. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025 White snus, which consists of pure nicotine mixed with filling agents, has little natural odor and does not stain the teeth the way that the traditional kind can. Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Some carpet shampoo products target particular issues, like specific odors or stains. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • The lingering fumes of attention and magical aura somehow still surround the oddball Rodgers like the cloud of dirt around Pig-Pen in the Peanuts comic strip.
    Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Any positive vibe will be welcome and in stark contrast to the negative aura that engulfed last season’s NFC Championship reign.
    Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Her favorite scent is Highrise, which features notes of red currant, velvet plum, and amber, but there are three other fresh varieties to choose from.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Try teasing with scents, like a specific fragrance that turns you on.
    Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Trump, Musk’s biggest political ally, and his administration seem to be taking it on themselves to protect the brand’s reputation.
    Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Providers can enforce access controls, while AI can confirm service reputation through on-ledger trust scores.
    Evan J. Schwartz, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The mixture should bubble vigorously and not produce a smell other than the smell of vinegar.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Moreover, your perception of a smell can be very context and circumstance dependent.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The wine offers intense blackberry, mocha, and cassis aromas with subtle earthy undertones.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Extracts are tastes and aromas pulled directly from a specific food like vanilla beans, lemon peels, or hazelnuts.
    Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The rabbis, both of high repute, belong to different generations and display differing levels of stringency—the stricter is a grandfather; the other, his son-in-law, is more lenient but by no means lax.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Her voice, her public repute, and her dignity — the vanishings of which are all mostly self-steered.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Smyth Tavern is a local destination in itself, thanks to its come-in-and-make-yourself-at-home atmosphere, its friendly service and excellent food.
    Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Its long, arching leaves and small offshoots add a lively touch to any room, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Enter your full name, email address and other account information to verify your identity.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • California was the first state to adopt a policy in 2019 by enacting the Fair Pay to Play Act, which allowed college athletes to receive compensation for their name, image, and likeness, effectively pressuring the NCAA to do the same.
    Mark LaSota, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

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