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.
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Recent Examples of smell
Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Soiled, Moldy, or Infested Items Clothing or furniture that smells of mildew, has visible stains, or has been stored in a rodent- or insect-infested environment should be discarded, never donated.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
The smell of ketchup drives me insane.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Most of these car fragrances smell similar to scents made by designer brands, just with automotive branding on them.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Soiled, Moldy, or Infested Items Clothing or furniture that smells of mildew, has visible stains, or has been stored in a rodent- or insect-infested environment should be discarded, never donated.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
The smell of fish, shrimp, and salt water.
—Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
The smell of ketchup drives me insane.
—Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Don’t put out bird feeders, as bears can sniff out birdseed from more than a mile away.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Sep. 2025
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Inside, his older brother, Tyson, 8, sniffs around near his toys, enjoying a rare moment of uninterrupted playtime.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Dogs sense your body language and pheromones, so avoid projecting anxiety about their reaction to the baby.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Portuguese midfielder’s antenna had sensed that weakness may reside on that wing, and for good reason.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Not to take away from your sweet cat, just to add that this club does in fact suck.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
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Student loan repayments will suck $80 billion out of the economy this year, Brookings said last week.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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By noon, the scent was not quite as strong, but still lingering.—
Megan McIntyre,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
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From slam dunks to signature scents, Shaquille O’Neal’s latest venture proves fragrance can be powerful, personal, and affordable.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Right now, the studio seems focused on delivering quality, memorable, and creative games that people want to play not just because of the brand name splash screen that will appear before the main menu.—
David Jagneaux,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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And the American redstart — a jetblack little fellow with orange splashes — pretty much stopped breeding here in the early 2000s.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The second reason is that these aura battler designs were very complex and full of curves as well as weird angles.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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The result is an almost-black shade of mahogany that strikes the perfect balance of autumnal aura and goth feels.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, which can cause inflammation and neurological damage.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
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Instead of inhaling just burning vegetation, wildland firefighters are increasingly exposed to hazardous and carcinogenic substances, Rahn said.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After his low-effort performance, anchored by a gimmick that made the show feel like a telethon, viewers might be asking themselves the same thing.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 Sep. 2025
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Even moments meant to feel spontaneous are staged.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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