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 hint
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
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Recent Examples of smell
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
Don’t skip out on the home deals, either, which span fancy candles, expensive-smelling detergent, coffee makers, and more.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
As strings started to play Mahler’s Third Symphony, the smell of wet earth rose from our diffusers, and a virtual rainstorm began.
—
Max Norman,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
In a separate Psychology Today piece, Julieta Zemla explores how scent can shift in meaning as a relationship evolves, drawing on research that links smell to stress regulation between partners.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 June 2026
Don’t skip out on the home deals, either, which span fancy candles, expensive-smelling detergent, coffee makers, and more.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski,
InStyle,
23 June 2026
Noun
Wine that has gone bad may have a medicinal or vinegar-like smell and may taste sharp or sour.
—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
25 June 2026
As strings started to play Mahler’s Third Symphony, the smell of wet earth rose from our diffusers, and a virtual rainstorm began.
—
Max Norman,
New Yorker,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Musk and SpaceX have a true nose for money, including sniffing out government infusions and contracts.
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The look of sheer repressed, stymied rage/laughter on Raph’s face when Paul sniffs the Oreos instead is one of the episode’s biggest laughs.
Verb
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Odd to be so close without sensing the pain in my body.
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Researchers trained the sensing system using more than 12,000 data samples collected during 157 cutting motions.
Verb
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Federal water managers have already been sucking water out of other reservoirs in Colorado and Wyoming to slow Lake Powell's decline.
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Don’t get sucked into arguments with bosses or supervisors.
Noun
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According to the brand, Dew & Light's popularity in Korea and Japan reflects a broader appreciation for scents that feel clean, delicate, and effortless—fragrances that complement your presence instead of announcing it.
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Use warm air and UV rays outside to naturally disinfect fabrics, make white clothes brighter, and get rid of musty odors, all while leaving behind a unique scent from fresh air that can’t be replicated in the dryer.
Noun
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Just One is a cooperative word game where duplicate hints get eliminated.
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These flavors follow through on the palate with additional elements of savory sandstone, pomegranate, and a hint of salinity.
Noun
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The juxtaposition of familiar names creates an aura that savvy consumers recognize as significant.
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Inspired by the fan-favorite drink, this dreamy aura design blends soft gradients with a vibrant pop of jellyfish candy red for a look that's almost good enough to eat.
Verb
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When inhaled, these microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing swelling and inflammation.
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When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Verb
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The relaxed silhouette has the same easygoing feel, and the floral print adds personality without feeling unwearable.
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The watershed decision triggered a period of political instability and economic upheaval that is still being felt a decade later.
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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