smell 1 of 2

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as in to sniff
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose we smelled the aroma of freshly baked cookies as soon as we walked in the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
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as in to suck
to be objectionable or unsatisfactory that movie smells—I wouldn't waste my money on it if I were you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smell

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noun

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun smell contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of smell are aroma, odor, and scent. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

When is it sensible to use aroma instead of smell?

The meanings of aroma and smell largely overlap; however, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When could scent be used to replace smell?

Although the words scent and smell have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

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 smell
Verb
Speaking of leisure time, Taurus season’s sensual and pleasure-seeking energy will inspire you to stop and smell the roses come April 19. Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025 Let all this go unchecked, and your oven will either look bad, smell bad, or both. Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
The opening notes of Italian mandarin and sea-breeze accord channel a seaside escape, while the middle notes of white tea extract, powdery white iris, and heady rose smell like being pampered at a lavish spa. Jenny Berg, Allure, 25 Mar. 2025 Between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, the color green came in a mind-boggling array of shapes, textures, hues and sizes and with a range of unexpected smells. Dina Mishev Max Whittaker, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
  • Bring your dog to sniff out eggs filled with treats!
    Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Also, sniff for lychee, pistachio, bergamot, and Turkish rose.
    Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Eight teams remain in the FA Cup and each one will sense a legitimate path to lifting the trophy.
    Sam Tighe, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Most people learn which foods cause bad breath by eating them and sensing the results.
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Noun
  • In addition to the clothes, the space will also offer art by Ferney and Curtis Kulig, exclusive scents by Costa Brazil and Cerato, vintage watches by Alan Bedwell of Foundwell, and lamps and ceramics from Steffany Trần of Vyvoi as well as rare books, collectible records and other special objects.
    Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Its most popular scent, The Mandala, has top notes of green mango and bergamot.
    Gemma A. Williams, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Stir-frying is a method of quickly searing and cooking bite-size pieces of protein and vegetables in a splash of oil over high heat.
    Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Skin tones appear accurate, and splashes of blues and oranges pop out nicely.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His aura became an asset, one that marketers could learn from.
    Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But as the man who lived the city’s motto, ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’, his god-like aura shines as brightly as ever.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This is because the spores often become airborne, where they can be inhaled by people and animals.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • This experimental setup allowed the researchers to manipulate the seals’ inhaled oxygen and CO2 levels while monitoring their diving behavior.
    Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Many individuals feel too stressed or busy will avoid treating themselves, according to a study by Cornell SC Johnson College of Business published in the Journal of Consumer Research.
    Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • By getting a sneak peek at the course, McIlroy aims to feel more relaxed and focused during the tournament week.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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