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
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Recent Examples of smell
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
His conservation with his boss, William Thompson, the lead FWC investigator, about smelling Pino was captured on Thompson’s body cam footage.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2025
Despite the district not naming the source of the smell, some social media users last week attributed the school’s odor to mold.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
To extend their lifespan and keep them smelling delightful, remove perfumes and essential oils from your medicine cabinet and store them in a cool, dry place instead.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
His conservation with his boss, William Thompson, the lead FWC investigator, about smelling Pino was captured on Thompson’s body cam footage.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 9 May 2025
Noun
The caller is one of his local farmer partners who has just walked their orchards to touch, smell, and taste the fruit.
—Osayi Endolyn, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 May 2025
Despite the district not naming the source of the smell, some social media users last week attributed the school’s odor to mold.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Last year, before his arrest, a video of Jordan allegedly sniffing an unidentified white substance went viral, resulting in social media criticism.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 May 2025
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In the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, Carlos worked with dogs trained to sniff out bombs and improvised explosive devices during one of the most stressful periods of his two decades in the military.—
Daniel Bean,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The sympathetic nervous system is activated when the body senses a threat, and the adrenal glands release cortisol.—
Helen Carefoot,
Verywell Health,
16 May 2025
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Babies can often pull off some pretty astonishing stuff—like sensing emotions and understanding math—according to several studies.—
Leslie Garisto Pfaff,
Parents,
15 May 2025
Verb
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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
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Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Noun
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There’s a fragrance-free option, which dries down to have zero scent on the skin.—
Kristin Canning,
Wired News,
21 May 2025
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The formula is also conditioning, thanks to shea butter, non-sticky, and has a delicious sweet scent.—
Essence,
Essence,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Rumors have begun circulating about the possibility of the Celtics making a major splash to acquire Flagg, a lifelong fan of the team.—
Ricardo Klein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 May 2025
-
The Cannes Film Festival is underway, and while the Marché Du Film is as booming as ever with exciting packages of future films, there are plenty of titles playing in competition or in the Cannes sidebars that could make a big splash at the box office or the awards season race for the right buyer.—
Brian Welk,
IndieWire,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
There was a businesslike aura about a team known for their bravado — no shouting, no taunting or joking.—
Kelly Iko,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
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The gray metallic fixturing in the denim area projects a youthful aura, and there are oversize mirrors, 8.8 feet by 5 feet, for head-to-toe viewing.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
1 May 2025
Verb
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As months and years of data arrived, Keeling’s rigorous work revealed two global phenomena: Earth’s plants inhaling CO2 each summer and exhaling it each winter, and CO2 levels’ unrelenting annual increase.—
Ashley Braun,
Smithsonian Magazine,
19 May 2025
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Workers who inhaled Teflon fumes developed flu-like symptoms.—
Mariah Blake,
The Atlantic,
5 May 2025
Verb
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The flashy sequences of violence feel apt for TV (Netflix, along with Steven Spielberg’s production outfit and the Obamas’ media company, is working on a series), but the novel’s real draw is the quieter ache of a family torn apart.—
The Atlantic,
The Atlantic,
15 May 2025
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Have no doubts, Ancelotti will feel as at home in Brazil as in Italy.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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