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

Even bloodhounds, dogs so famous for their sense of smell that they’re used to track missing people, don’t smell as well a black bear. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026 Wolff recommends letting children smell unfamiliar foods, watch adults eat them and decide on their own whether to taste. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026

Noun

Ignore Safety Protocols Particular cleaning products can exude strong smells or fumes that aren’t meant to be inhaled and which can be harmful to your lungs and skin. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 And when guests park and get out of their vehicles, they’re hit with a smokey smell to match the view. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell

Verb

Here’s a quick look at the stories that shaped the past several days in the capital region, including the Sacramento Zoo’s debut for rats that sniff out landmines to a downtown Woodland pharmacy hit with anti-LGBTQ+ vandalism.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026
The final three possessions to determine the winner included a screen pass sniffed out by Lawrence, tipped in the air and intercepted.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of sniff

Verb

Balancing on one foot while holding on to a stable surface helps reinforce core strength and the body’s ability to sense movement.

— Connie Etermadi, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
The cabin sound is enhanced using technology that senses intake pressure and creates a corresponding engine sound routed through the speakers.

— Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of sense

Verb

Among the changes needed on the city’s streets was the welding of more than 200 manhole covers to ensure the race cars don’t suck them up off the road.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
For instance, Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have become openly obsequious in sucking up to the DSA.

— Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of suck

Noun

Anti Bast grounds saffron and warm cardamom (a fall spice rack classic) with incense absolute and amber, creating a warm, spicy scent ideal for cooler weather.

— Loren Savini, Allure, 22 Aug. 2026
Shop even more fall scents in the Better Homes & Gardens collection at Walmart.

— Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of scent

Noun

And given the lunar ice’s likely extreme age, Dell’Agnello says, tracing its history would offer hints about the origins of Earth’s water as well.

— Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026
In overtime versus Penn State, Moore had a wide-open touchdown to Kenyon Sadiq on the corner route but quickly found the checkdown at the first hint of pressure.

— Dane Brugler, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hint

Verb

Vapes use a small, lithium battery to heat liquids such as nicotine for users to inhale.

— Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
If disturbed, asbestos’ microscopic crystalline fibers get into the air, where they can be inhaled, cause lung scarring and lead to fatal cancers.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of inhale

Verb

Delaying a medical appointment is a common response to feeling stressed about what’s going on with your body, according to a 2021 study on health care avoidance.

— Glamour, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026
These measures improve a sense of safety on campus, and students feel their mental health needs are being met, Dorn said.

— Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of feel

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smears

smell

smelled

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Style

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of smell

verb

noun

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