smell 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmel How to pronounce smell (audio)
Definition of smellnext
1
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
2
as in to sense
to have a vague awareness of I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
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

smell

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Jeanroy tells me that only animals can smell truffles in the wild, as the delicacy grows up to a foot underground near tree roots; by law in France, hunters can use only pigs and dogs to find them. —Aislyn Greene, AFAR Media, 15 Oct. 2025 The whole room smelled like old furniture and melted ice pops. —Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2025
Noun
If the smell is still there, repeat with more baking soda. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 The indelible smell lingered — to the point of me thinking of skipping out on my perfume du jour. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
  1. sniff
  2. sense
  3. suck
  4. scent
  5. splash
  6. aura
  7. inhale
  8. feel
Verb
  • Common signals include sniffing, circling, squatting, or whining.
    — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The picture shows them on the floor together with Comet fully exposing his belly, a sign of trust, while Dottie sniffs him.
    — Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • Scientists have tried to design fabrics that can sense, communicate, and interact with the world around them.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Had his dad not sensed something and dialed 911, Andrew, a star baseball player turned gambling addict in college, would have quietly checked out at age 33, leaving his twin infant sons, his guilt-crippled parents, and many thousands of dollars in gambling debts behind.
    — Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025
Definition of sense
Verb
  • This is why many pet owners recommend reusable, tapeless lint rollers that suck up hair into a compartment for easy disposal.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Battery life can be affected by many factors, but the MX Master 4’s haptic feedback is probably the most battery-sucking feature on the new mouse.
    — PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 12 Oct. 2025
Definition of suck
Noun
  • Each candle pairs a calming scent with a meaningful crystal, like rose quartz for healing or garnet for passion.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 13 Oct. 2025
  • These skin scents will let the rose shine while adding a clean, musky depth that feels really personal and intimate.
    — Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • On October 14, Kim Kardashian made a controversial splash in the undergarment and shapewear world with the announcement of SKIMS full-bush panties that resemble 17th century merkins and sell for $32 a pop.
    — Quispe López, Them., 15 Oct. 2025
  • Based on the splash off the corner onto Rollins, Reed also chose to side with Bron instead of The Visionary.
    — Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of splash
Noun
  • The aura of loserdom hovers over him.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2025
  • In that silence, the aura of D’Angelo only grew wider.
    — Marcus J. Moore, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2025
Definition of aura
Verb
  • Its use was banned in many countries around the turn of the millennium amid concerns that the fibers, when airborne, could result in potentially fatal lung diseases if inhaled.
    — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles.
    — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • Man, that jolt felt like Emmanuel Sanders streaking down the sidelines at Cleveland.
    — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Probably my favorite of the season so far – feels like a new direction in a lot of ways.
    — Andy Hoglund, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Definition of feel

Browse Nearby Words

smears
smell
smelled
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Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of smell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smell

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