smell

smell

verb

Definition of SMELL

1

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 nose, scent, sniff, snuff, whiff

Related Words breathe, drink (in), inhale, respire; snort, snuffle; savor (also savour)

2

to have a vague awareness of <I smell something fishy about this situation>

Synonyms perceive, scent, see, sense, smell, taste

Related Words behold, descry, discern, distinguish, espy, eye, look (at), note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, sight, spy, view, witness; ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, hear, learn, realize; anticipate, divine, expect, foreknow, foresee; assume, conjecture, guess, presume, speculate, suppose, surmise, suspect

3

to be objectionable or unsatisfactory <that movie smells—I wouldn't waste my money on it if I were you>

Synonyms bite [slang], smell, suck [slang]

Antonyms rock [slang], rule [slang]