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 hint
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

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
But then, just as the scriptwriters were smelling another famous European night in Liverpool, Mariani was sent to the monitors by the VAR. —Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Our Thoughts on the Candle Who knew burning cash could smell so good? —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
However, the smell triggers an unease that's enough to keep Talei from thinking too much about what isn't on her plate. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026 There was something so magical about that experience that just doesn’t leave you, from the smell to the sound. —Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 14 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
  1. sniff
  2. sense
  3. suck
  4. scent
  5. hint
  6. aura
  7. inhale
  8. feel
Verb
  • Inspector General Deborah Witzburg's job is to sniff out wrongdoing by city workers, and her office's first quarterly report of 2026 revealed a stunning number of findings that involve scamming, scheming, and illegally profiting from work as a city employee.
    — Chris Tye, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Ballplayers will quickly sniff out a manager who lacks the temperament and ballast for the job.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • To test the platform, the team designed four sensing setups targeting different analytes in different environments.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Apr. 2026
  • What Gemini says, Pisces feels, and what Pisces senses, Gemini tries to rationalize.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of sense
Verb
  • Cassie is trying to become social-media famous, suggestively flashing her all-American assets online in a variety of fetishy costumes (a puppy dog, a pacifier-sucking baby).
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Last year, the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture cut down 30% of the nursery’s citrus trees on concerns they were infested with Asian citrus psyllid, a sap-sucking bug that transmits a devastating citrus disease.
    — Pat Maio, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Definition of suck
Noun
  • Now the venue is to be torn down later this year, the end to a destination just off the highway that was once full of televisions, betting counters and tables, and thick with the scent of afternoon and evening cocktails.
    — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The sharp, pungent scent of chile peppers clings to the air.
    — Kamala Thiagarajan, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • After starring in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine, Marvel fans have been wondering where the character would go next, and in a new interview, Reynolds shared some hints.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The ballpark was full, runs were at a premium and when a cool breeze worked its way through the stadium in the late innings Saturday night, there was the slightest hint of October.
    — Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026
Definition of hint
Noun
  • The atmosphere is lousy with the stuff, tinting the air a butterscotch color—except near the sun in the sky, where light scattering creates a blue aura that is best visible at sunset.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Rocket-like thrusts, grizzly bear aura, and absolute calm — our columnist Philipp Lahm explains why his former team-mate Manuel Neuer will be hard to replace at Bayern Munich.
    — Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of aura
Verb
  • Luckily, there was about 15 minutes of tiara chat while inhaling scones to make the time pass more quickly.
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
  • When inhaled, this fungus can propagate in the lungs, potentially causing scarring and collapse of lungs.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2026
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • There are so many exquisite, Netherlandish, hyperreal details to admire in the piece—the shadow of Giovanna’s necklace, the enamel decorations on her cross, the frizz of her hair—but there’s something about the ribbon that feels like a banner of heartbreak.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Mead has started 10 of Arsenal’s 17 WSL matches this season, and with her contract expiring in June — the same month as England’s final two qualifiers — her next move feels crucial.
    — Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
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 23 Apr. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Nglish: Translation of smell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smell

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