Definition of odornext

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 Crafted from soft, flexible silicone and durable stainless steel with smooth silicone tips, these BPA-free straws are built to last without retaining tastes, odors, or wear over time. ABC News, 16 June 2026 Regular washing helps eliminate odors, reduce buildup, and may help extend the life of the mat, too. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026 Her award-winning project, an artificial flower system, aims to guide pollinating insects toward nearby flower-rich areas amid urban air pollutants disrupting floral odors. Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 15 June 2026 Check wounds regularly for unusual swelling or discharge or a foul odor, as that might be a sign of fly larvae in wounds — also known as myiasis. Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • Clearly, the smell of barbecue, the sound of music and the love of community and family lingered in him.
    Bobby J. Smith II, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • The colors, pains, pleasures, smells, tastes and sounds, the what-it’s-like of being conscious, are not private inner bits and blobs that philosophers call qualia, floating in a theatre of the mind.
    Andréa Morris, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • 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.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 June 2026
  • 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.
    Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
Noun
  • In a former life, this appliance may have doubled as tools used in his prior trade; however, the rapper—whose reputation for serving up hearty helpings of clever musings on the drug trade precedes him—remains intent on feeding the streets.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 17 June 2026
  • Twelve location expansions followed, each awarded on reputation without a competitive bid.
    Malana VanTyler, Miami Herald, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Gaethje will have no shortage of suitors and Topuria is likely to receive a few callouts now that his aura of invincibility has been compromised.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • That is when the United States duels Australia on Friday in a World Cup match hyped by a budding rivalry, next-phase magnitude, and home-field aura.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • Bold aromas of black cherry, espresso bean, and nutmeg give way to sublime flavors of cassis, charcuterie, and freshly ground nutmeg wrapped in a sheath of feathery tannins.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • For anyone who has ever been stopped in their tracks by a familiar aroma, here’s what scientists and physicians say is actually happening and why scent deserves more credit as a memory tool than most people give it.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • So others speculate and then the Heat somehow are the ones who get caught in the spin cycle of various insiders of various repute trying to sell Substack subscriptions or generate clicks or views.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Two other veteran Dutch managers of significant repute had been in the reckoning, one of them a former boss of Manchester United.
    Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The facilities also contribute to fossil fuel emissions, with Cornell University researchers estimating last year that AI growth could add 24 to 44 million metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere annually by 2030.
    Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Adults can savor diverse cuisine at three restaurants—traditional, modern, and artisanal—while enjoying the resort's exceptional value and intimate atmosphere.
    Chelsea Adams, USA Today, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Albies has the sixth-best OPS among NL second basemen, but has made three All-Star games before, plays for a popular franchise and has strong name value, likely helping his voting numbers.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Despite that progress, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined, as megacap tech names tumbled.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster