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 Officers were conducting a proactive patrol outside the 3211 Odyssey Court business when the odor of cannabis drew their attention to a specific area of the facility’s lot, Naperville police Cmdr. Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Las Vegas Metro Police discovered the body of Matthew Kelemen, 56, decomposing and wrapped in a tarp inside a locked plastic bin near Fremont Street on May 20 after responding to reports of a foul odor, the department wrote in a press release. Christina Coulter, People.com, 27 May 2025 If peace and prosperity reign in the land and Trump is spending his last two years in good odor with voters, big-name Democrats will be more likely to shy away from a presidential run. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 23 May 2025 According to a small study published May 28 in the journal PLOS One, cats spend a longer time sniffing a stranger’s odor than their owners. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • Then, Mercury and Jupiter both enter your sign (on June 8th and June 9th), bringing the spotlight straight to your aura.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 May 2025
  • Like Taurus, Aidan is a romantic at heart and has a tenderness in his aura.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • The quick-drying, streak-free finish ensures a flawless application every time, while the refreshing coconut scent adds a touch of tropical luxury.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
  • That’s where this body oil comes in with its warm vanilla scent and glimmering finish.
    Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • With its reputation as a culinary destination solidified, the InterContinental Danang just opened another ambitious fine-dining restaurant, Tingara.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
  • For a time, Central Connecticut lived up to its reputation as one of the top hitting teams in college baseball, but was ultimately outslugged by Auburn,shut down by NC State and ousted from the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.
    Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • Beyond their novelty value, these additives can hide the taste and smell of condoms and lube, which some find off-putting.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
  • Wafting down the normally quiet halls were the sounds of whistles, shouting— and the unmistakable smell of a skunk.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • This stunning wine is salmon colored in the glass with enticing aromas of apple, cherry blossom, and honeysuckle.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 29 May 2025
  • That’s all thanks to the Maillard reaction, which occurs when sugars interact with the amino acids of proteins to create new, delicious flavors and aroma compounds, and also heightens the umami.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • The rabbis, both of high repute, belong to different generations and display differing levels of stringency—the stricter is a grandfather; the other, his son-in-law, is more lenient but by no means lax.
    Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 16 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.
    Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
  • Ultimately, professor Bayram says, the Gaziantep baklava known today was shaped by the local ingredients, the atmosphere and climate of the city — and by local chefs who were consumed with perfecting the recipe and passed that obsession along to their apprentices.
    Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • Additionally, Paramount’s fourth film in its Sonic the Hedgehog franchise that adapts the video game series of the same name is set for theatrical release the week prior.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2025
  • For Daniel Weyman, who plays Gandalf/The Stranger, a major turning point in stepping into Gandalf’s iconic boots was finally saying his name aloud for the first time.
    Lauren Coates, Variety, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

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