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 The portable device creates a 15-foot mosquito repellent zone in as little as 15 minutes, offering powerful protection without any smoke or strong odors. Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 June 2025 People did not bathe much in those days and by spreading herbs that released pleasant aromas when walked upon, unpleasant odors could be disguised. Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 12 June 2025 So when nearby plants emit a scent that masks that human odor and/or confuses a mosquito's olfactory senses, the insect often moves away. Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 Stomach acid that rises into the mouth can leave a sour or metallic taste and distinct odor behind.2 4. Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
Noun
  • While jumping from one show to the next, Walters nurtured her relationship with fans and would have been appalled by the current aura of distrust.
    Peter Bart, Deadline, 26 June 2025
  • Verne purists won’t be pleased, because the tragic aura that surrounded Nemo in the novels doesn’t exactly translate here, and the adaptation’s company story line is so overwhelming while ultimately feeling too rapidly resolved.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • After a shower at the gym, this is my favorite scent to put on.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 June 2025
  • Natural vapors coming from trees, like the monoterpenes that give pine trees their scent, produce aerosols and thus low-lying clouds that hover above forests.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Williams has been a very strong critic of the mayor, while Rajkumar, a Queens assemblywoman, has a reputation for her frequent appearances alongside Adams.
    Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 25 June 2025
  • Compared with other American artists who’ve managed a reputation on this scale, his closest analogue might be Dolly Parton.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • However, nearly two hours into the flight, the OP was hit by the strong smell of urine.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • Speaking to Fox News Digital, Parks Canada representative Jennifer Nicholson said that, after opening the bottle, the first thing officials noticed was its strong smell.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Fine, elegant bubbles carry lifted aromas of raspberry, red apple skin, and rose petal.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The sweet and refreshing aroma is combined with clinical-strength deodorant protection for 72-hour odor protection.
    Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • Good design ranked among the top four characteristics industry professionals used to describe high-quality thought leadership—above speed to market and the repute of the author.
    Yogesh Shah, Forbes.com, 25 June 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 Pacers then encouraged fans to create a raucous atmosphere by standing up and waving their yellow towels.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • Here’s what communication experts told Fortune about how managers should address an increasingly fearful atmosphere around immigration in the U.S.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • No one deal is more important than my name and reputation.
    Archway Homes, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2025
  • Ripe, the pop/funk band that formed at Boston’s Berklee School of Music in 2011 and is now based in California with two albums to its name.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on odor

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