Synonyms of odor

odor

noun

ˈō-dər 

1

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

• aura
• smell
• aroma
• atmosphere
• air
• flavor
• climate
• ambiance
• feel
• sense
• ambience
• mood
• patina
• feeling
• temper
• halo
• karma
• nimbus
• vibration(s)
• note
• romance
• mystique
• characteristic
• sensation
• aureole
• image
• spirit
• property
• trait
• aureola
• illusion
• tone
• attribute
• peculiarity
• overtone
• notion
• color
• 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
• otto
• savour
• 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

The nose can detect one trillion odors with over 400 types of receptors, and these cells renew themselves every 30 to 60 days. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Gas explosion detail Angry neighbors question why no one called for homes in the area to be evacuated after numerous reports of gas odors. —Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025

The Tijuana River has been plagued with raw sewage and industrial waste from Tijuana for decades, fouling beaches along the U.S.-Mexico border with polluted water and sending foul odors drifting through communities in San Diego County. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025

In Childs Park, a neighborhood in South St. Petersburg, residents have complained for decades about a mysterious odor that comes and goes. —John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025