ODOR Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

odor

noun

ˈō-dər

Definition of odor next

as in aura

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

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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

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

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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

Examples of odor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The strategic partnership will combine Microban’s odor control technologies with Cicli’s biodegradable technology to provide textile manufacturers with greener solutions while building sustainable performance functionality into synthetic fabrics and fibers. —

Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 26 Sep. 2024 Rats, too, dislike the acidic odor in vinegar, and ammonia smells similar to predator urine, which can scare them away. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2024 An unpleasant and mysterious odor has lingered in southwest Washington state, wafting over multiple communities overnight. —

Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024 Coming out of the valve, the official said, is Styrene, which according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, is a colorless, flammable liquid that has a sweet odor and is highly volatile. —

Greg Wehner, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for odor

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'odor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.