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
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
Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 14 Apr. 2025
After even a short amount of time, a home with high humidity will begin to smell musty and grow mold.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Several residents called to report the smell to the department, Huntersville fire said in a post on X Tuesday.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Instead of stopping the supplement, consider the following treatments or changes:
Dietary changes: Your diet can greatly affect how your poop smells.
—Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 14 Apr. 2025
After even a short amount of time, a home with high humidity will begin to smell musty and grow mold.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
The color scheme, the smell of grass, the annual screening of VeggieTales: An Easter Carol, which is the same story as Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, except that it’s set at Easter and all the characters are vegetables who work in a factory (the Scrooge character is a zucchini).
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Several residents called to report the smell to the department, Huntersville fire said in a post on X Tuesday.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
-
Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.—
Justin Curto,
Vulture,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Drama, romance and a thriller plot ensue as Frank tries to sniff out a dangerous stalker, with the final act playing out as Rachel wins the Best Picture Academy Award.—
Mike Fleming Jr,
Deadline,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The study also found that movement positively impacted interoception, or the ability to sense internal states, which is foundational for emotional regulation and stress recovery.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Stack can sense that death is coming for the old man.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
19 Apr. 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
-
Prouvost engage audiences in quantum fundamentals not through complex explanations of concepts like qubits, but through video and sound developed with a quantum computer, as well scent and sculptural elements reflecting quantum phenomena.—
Leslie Katz,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Bring them into your home, too — at least the scent of them with this Yankee Candle.—
Nicol Natale,
People.com,
13 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Neither does the oak, even after almost 25 years, although that small amount of virgin oak barrels in the mix adds a splash of vibrant wood to the flavor profile.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The use of blue and limestone beige reflects Malta’s coastal hues, with accents of vibrant red to offer a splash of contrast.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In this scenario, the most likely outcome would involve Punk pinning Seth Rollins, providing a decisive conclusion to their ongoing feud with a clear pinfall victory, while strategically preserving Roman Reigns' aura of dominance and mystique by avoiding a direct pinfall loss to Punk.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Like Napoleon’s Uncle Rico, who dwells on his long-ago high-school-football days, Garrett is living in the faded aura of past glory: in his case, a 1989 video-game championship.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Another great one is the 4-7-8 breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system: inhale for four counts, hold for seven and exhale slowly for eight.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
22 Apr. 2025
-
In fact, 43% of employees surveyed by Korn Ferry say leadership isn’t aligned, and 37% report feeling directionless.—
Lily Mae Lazarus,
Fortune,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share