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 All of the Malin + Goetz scents contain odor-neutralizing enzymes that provide gentle, long-lasting moisture control and whole-body odor protection without disrupting the body's natural perspiration. Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 The sight, sound and odor of the suitcase will remind them of previous interactions. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025 The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reported that the family also experienced foul odors and heard pig grunts in the home. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025 Since the floral odor is strongest in the evening, SDBG will extend its hours for the first two nights of bloom, allowing guests a chance to see — and smell — this rare phenomenon. The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • The second reason is that these aura battler designs were very complex and full of curves as well as weird angles.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The result is an almost-black shade of mahogany that strikes the perfect balance of autumnal aura and goth feels.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The whisky opens with the scent of dark cherries, raisins, and Brazil-nut toffee, touched with marzipan and date caramel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • From slam dunks to signature scents, Shaquille O’Neal’s latest venture proves fragrance can be powerful, personal, and affordable.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Howard, a queen bee with a racy reputation, became a scene-stealer with her emotional outbursts and volatile friendship with Maddy (Alexa Demie).
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Despite the streak ending in his first season at Arkansas, Calipari said that reputation is one of the main reasons players still want to play for him.
    Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Music and the smell of food filled the air on West National Avenue between 32nd and 35th Streets as members of Milwaukee’s south side communities celebrated the progress of their neighborhoods.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Head for South Bank—alive with street performers, riverside joggers, and the sweet smell of roasted nuts curling from pop-up stalls.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Lavender Tea Lavender is an evergreen, bushy plant native to Mediterranean climates, known for its sweet aroma.
    Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2025
  • That’s because its long-lasting, masculine aroma gives scents structure, warmth, and depth—and there’s plenty of variance between and among its cultivars.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Since the first duffers teed off in 1924, this Scottish course has gained repute as one of the world’s top golf spots.
    Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 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 atmosphere was celebratory, with Kirk tossing hats into the crowd before diving into questions.
    Amanda Castro Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This breathtaking image from James Sinclair gives us a detailed view of a section of the sun's atmosphere known as the chromosphere — a chaotic region where hydrogen and helium plasma is molded and reshaped by our star's ever-shifting magnetic field.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Once the game begins, Bowlan waits for his name to be called.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
  • In recent years, high-profile figures like Elon Musk, Chrissy Teigen and Sharon Osborne have talked about using the substance for therapeutic purposes, contributing to its name recognition.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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