SMELL Synonyms: 267 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'smell' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of smell are aroma , odor , and scent . While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character. // an odd smell permeated the room

Q: When is it sensible to use 'aroma' instead of 'smell'?

The meanings of aroma and smell largely overlap; however, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor. // the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Q: How are the words 'odor' and 'smell' related?

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 could 'scent' be used to replace 'smell'?

Although the words scent and smell have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant. // the scent of lilacs

smell 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmel

Definition of smell

as in to sniff

to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose we smelled the aroma of freshly baked cookies as soon as we walked in the house

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to suck

to be objectionable or unsatisfactory that movie smells—I wouldn't waste my money on it if I were you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

rule
rock

smell

2 of 2

noun

as in scent

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose the smell of vanilla is supposed to be very soothing

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in hint

a very small amount the pie has barely a smell of ginger, but lots of cinnamon

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something a law firm with a mahogany-lined boardroom that has the discernible smell of money and power

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun smell contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of smell are aroma, odor, and scent. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

When is it sensible to use aroma instead of smell?

The meanings of aroma and smell largely overlap; however, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When could scent be used to replace smell?

Although the words scent and smell have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

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 smell

Verb

Sometimes a less reliable dog will smell in this manner the hot body scent of venison as a trembling doe crouches close in the brush upwind. — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026 The acetic acid in vinegar can break down and dissolve those rings, as well as hard water stains, rust, and limescale, leaving a much cleaner and better-smelling bowl behind. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 July 2026

Noun

The smell at the scene, due to the materials, was also said to have caused eye irritation, according to CCTV, per Reuters. — Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026 They’re attracted to light and certain smells, drawing them into your home through cracks in windows or doors. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for smell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell

Verb

Both EagleShield and All Day West will perform inspections using bedbug-sniffing dogs after treatment is complete, Guillén wrote.

— Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026
The dogs who sniffed became measurably more optimistic and were quicker to approach new and uncertain situations.

— Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

Definition of sniff

Verb

Researchers also aim to integrate the sensing-actuation loop directly into soft robots, enabling instinctive responses, while using its rich force signals to improve perception and interaction in complex environments.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 July 2026
Laura could sense them, being now an observer of living things.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of sense

Verb

As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Pests Aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites can suck a cucumber plant’s sap and cause the leaves to yellow, brown, or curl.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Definition of suck

Noun

Also known as fragrance stacking, layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of scent

Noun

An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026
The hint of an organizing ethos makes their second consecutive team-up with producer and boomer whisperer Andrew Watt feel connected to and entrenched in the modern world while the band pokes around its sweet spots.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Definition of hint

Noun

The aura of the arena, the cheers from her friends and family.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
The prevailing motifs include Anglo-American boarding schools and college campuses, accoutrements with a romantic aura (billowing sleeves, melting candles), and analog artifacts (old compasses, monocles).

— Sophia Zhang, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

Definition of aura

Verb

Dangers from wildfire smoke Smoke is made up of tiny particles that can be inhaled deep into a person's lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

— Ava Berger, NPR, 16 July 2026
Legionnaires’ disease is a form of pneumonia typically contracted by inhaling tiny water droplets contaminated with Legionella bacteria.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 15 July 2026

Definition of inhale

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smears

smell

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Style

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of smell

verb

noun

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