smell 1 of 2

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
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
2
3

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
If the egg smells unpleasant or has discoloration, discard the egg. Merve Ceylan, Health, 2 Sep. 2025 The vape smoke smelled like unicorn farts. Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Solve a puzzle Puzzles are a great way to mentally challenge your pup’s brain and activate their sense of smell. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 Non-motor symptoms can include depression, anxiety, hallucinations, apathy, sleep disorders, loss of smell, digestive issues and orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up), according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
  • So, like two detectives sniffing a break in a case, Richardson and Soto further investigated, scanning more clips in search of supporting evidence.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Hired by Leo's sister-in-law (Shailene Woodley), Detective Bali sniffs out the winding secrets of the powerful Vardakis family, unraveling a crime of passion.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dudek sensed the growing tension.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • When people sense that their efforts will not be rewarded financially, motivation takes a hit.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • If a triatomine bites and sucks the blood of an infected host, the bug then becomes a carrier for the parasite.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In addition, Apple seems to have been able to execute the upgrade without sucking up your spare storage with excessively large video files.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The whisky opens with the scent of dark cherries, raisins, and Brazil-nut toffee, touched with marzipan and date caramel.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • 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
  • The Amiron Zero are designed to be resistant to dust and splashes thanks to the IP54 rating.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Specifically, brown trousers in a wide-leg style seem to be making the biggest splash among the fashion pros.
    Mayte Salido, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The pressure on high-end fashion brands to maintain their aura of quality, exclusivity and ethics is mounting amid an already challenging luxury landscape, which is being impacted by a global spending downturn.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • But that aura of possibility begins to fade when the less pleasant edges of their respective realties come to light.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Under Robinson’s leadership, a team of his firm’s attorneys fought and won an 18-year court battle on behalf of the state’s victims of brown lung, a disease that strikes textile workers who inhale particles from raw cotton.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miami’s play was so decisively putrid that the 33-8 loss to the Colts seemed almost a blessing because the game felt so much more lopsided than that.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!