1
2
as in to sense
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
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
2
as in splash
a very small amount
the pie has barely a smell of ginger, but lots of cinnamon
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
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
Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
Sonny Carrillo was headed to a friend’s birthday dinner, dressed up and smelling of Acqua di Gio cologne.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The most common symptoms were fatigue, irritability and mood changes, headaches, runny nose, cough, and loss of smell and taste.
—Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Here’s the deal: The best Oribe products smell ridiculously good, leave hair silky-soft, noticeably stronger, and are worth every bit of the splurge.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
Sonny Carrillo was headed to a friend’s birthday dinner, dressed up and smelling of Acqua di Gio cologne.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
State police alleged that Jones was showing clear signs of impairment, including bloodshot and glossy eyes as well as the smell of alcohol coming from him.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The most common symptoms were fatigue, irritability and mood changes, headaches, runny nose, cough, and loss of smell and taste.
—Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
-
By comparison, the males with more agreeable personalities sniffed the tubes more calmly.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
28 May 2025
-
Loyal fans and Substack readers looking for deeper dives into a brand world can sniff out when something is done strictly as a marketing play.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
That is, whether people would lose the ability to sense when their body is experiencing a noxious stimuli, if enough of those stimuli are paired with a pleasurable reward.—
Peter Ubel,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Now, after last year’s bruising war with Israel, Hezbollah is much weaker and Lebanon’s new political leaders sense an opportunity to revitalize the economy once again with help from wealthy neighbors.—
Kareem Chehayeb,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
That’s the fun thing for me, is there’s no reason the next one couldn’t suck back in and be a chamber piece again.—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Sep. 2022
-
Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
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
-
Walls were observed with food splash and debris throughout the kitchen area, especially in hard to reach areas, such as behind and below equipment.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
-
Vulcan’s most high-visibility splash in the pickleball world was their 2024 agreement with the UPA to become the official ball of both the PPA and MLP, a contract reportedly worth more than $2M annually and which instantly created a market for their VPro flight ball.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
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
Verb
-
When aerosols such as sea spray or smoke are inhaled, the fine particles can reach deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and even the brain when the particles are small enough.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
-
When using bleach, try not to inhale any of the fumes and open windows when possible.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
And an April 2024 poll by the Pew Research Center found that 31% of Jews younger than 35 felt Hamas' reasons for fighting were valid, compared to just 10% for Jews aged 35 and older.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
-
With all-star voting underway, Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers has the best shot to rep Miami if voters are feeling charitable or looking for a token Fish. 10.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share