Synonyms of odor

odor

noun

ˈō-dər 

1

as in smell

a special quality or impression associated with something

the antique shop, with its collection of strange and curious items, held an odor of mysticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smell
• aura
• aroma
• atmosphere
• air
• flavor
• climate
• sense
• feel
• ambience
• mood
• patina
• feeling
• temper
• halo
• karma
• nimbus
• vibration(s)
• note
• romance
• characteristic
• mystique
• sensation
• aureole
• image
• spirit
• property
• trait
• tone
• illusion
• attribute
• peculiarity
• overtone
• color
• notion
• genius loci
• suggestion
• semblance
• picture
• character
• mark

2

as in scent

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose

some people find the odor of skunk rather pleasant

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• smell
• aroma
• stench
• sniff
• fragrance
• redolence
• whiff
• perfume
• fragrancy
• malodor
• rankness
• stink
• attar
• rancidity
• fetor
• musk
• funk
• tang
• foulness
• lusciousness
• reek
• bouquet
• spice
• aromaticity
• savoriness
• ambrosia
• savor
• incense
• gaminess
• noisomeness
• fetidness
• acridness
• odorousness
• odoriferousness

3

as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general

her movie career has not been in good odor since her latest box office failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reputation
• repute
• name
• fame
• character
• report
• rep
• notoriety
• mark
• note
• credit
• image
• honor
• admiration
• renown
• celebrity
• reverence
• regard
• persona

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shame
• dishonor
• disgrace
• reproach
• infamy
• odium
• discredit
• disrepute
• ignominy
• opprobrium
• obloquy

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

Recent Examples of odor

Johnson facilitated the distribution of federal funding for basement flood prevention and raised concerns about industrial odors from east side industrial facilities. —Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025

From stubborn mystery stains to lingering odors, secondhand shopping often comes with its fair share of surprises. —Essence, 5 Nov. 2025

The odor peaked at two hours after ingestion. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025

His lower jaw is smaller than his upper one, leaving a small gap that causes a faint odor. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025