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 The portable device creates a 15-foot mosquito repellent zone in as little as 15 minutes, offering powerful protection without any smoke or strong odors. Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 June 2025 People did not bathe much in those days and by spreading herbs that released pleasant aromas when walked upon, unpleasant odors could be disguised. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 June 2025 So when nearby plants emit a scent that masks that human odor and/or confuses a mosquito's olfactory senses, the insect often moves away. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Stomach acid that rises into the mouth can leave a sour or metallic taste and distinct odor behind.2 4. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • While jumping from one show to the next, Walters nurtured her relationship with fans and would have been appalled by the current aura of distrust.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Verne purists won’t be pleased, because the tragic aura that surrounded Nemo in the novels doesn’t exactly translate here, and the adaptation’s company story line is so overwhelming while ultimately feeling too rapidly resolved.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Natural vapors coming from trees, like the monoterpenes that give pine trees their scent, produce aerosols and thus low-lying clouds that hover above forests.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • After a shower at the gym, this is my favorite scent to put on.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Williams has been a very strong critic of the mayor, while Rajkumar, a Queens assemblywoman, has a reputation for her frequent appearances alongside Adams.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
  • Her high-energy content, ranging from product reviews and comedy skits to grow-room tours, has built her reputation as one of cannabis’s most entertaining creators.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • Now people are getting high on the smell of cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate and brewing coffee, and piling into independent bakeries, which star personalities are opening across the city.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
  • The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Noun
  • Fine, elegant bubbles carry lifted aromas of raspberry, red apple skin, and rose petal.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The sweet and refreshing aroma is combined with clinical-strength deodorant protection for 72-hour odor protection.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Good design ranked among the top four characteristics industry professionals used to describe high-quality thought leadership—above speed to market and the repute of the author.
    Yogesh Shah, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
  • The most stinging repute came from China, which accused the U.S. of abandoning Haiti at a dire moment after helping set up its ruling transitional presidential council, now mired in controversy and credibility issues.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Mediterranean atmosphere is ideal for a lunch pre or post-tennis matches.
    Rachel Dube, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Ahead of the event’s fifth edition, Reeve-Rabb suggests the 2026 festival line-up could be even bigger, while retaining the event’s intimate atmosphere.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • As the person is detained, the one recording will sometimes try to get his name, before he is lost in the system.
    Emily Witt, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • Authorities have not yet released the gunman’s name or provided a motive for the attack.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

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