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
Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025
Here’s what else to know: Why does seaweed smell so bad?
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Several residents called to report the smell to the department, Huntersville fire said in a post on X Tuesday.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
While walking toward the apartment, the property manager stated that the apartment smelled like something died in there, according to the warrant affidavit.
—Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025
Here’s what else to know: Why does seaweed smell so bad?
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
The color scheme, the smell of grass, the annual screening of VeggieTales: An Easter Carol, which is the same story as Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, except that it’s set at Easter and all the characters are vegetables who work in a factory (the Scrooge character is a zucchini).
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Several residents called to report the smell to the department, Huntersville fire said in a post on X Tuesday.
—Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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The dog should be allowed to approach the child in their own time, to sniff and explore, and parents should ensure the puppy is comfortable before allowing your child to rub them.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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On Sunday, the Hollywood icon — who calls Ocala, Fla., home — posted an innocent photo of his dog sniffing a Lindt rabbit wrapped in gold foil.—
Madeleine Marr,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Stack can sense that death is coming for the old man.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
19 Apr. 2025
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The study also found that movement positively impacted interoception, or the ability to sense internal states, which is foundational for emotional regulation and stress recovery.—
Ximena Araya-Fischel,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 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
Verb
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The coast was intertwined with every aspect of our time on Izu Peninsula, from watching waves crash on seaside rocks and inhaling the salty sea scent to seeing shrines nestled by the water, like at Shirahama Shrine’s torii gate.—
Kristen E. Pope,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2025
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Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.—
Marley Dickinson,
Outside Online,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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On the morning of April 14, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit San Diego County and was widely felt across Southern California and northern Mexico.—
Faris Tanyos,
CBS News,
4 May 2025
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South of the border: 'Too scary' U.S. industries are already feeling a cold wind from up north.—
Cybele Mayes-Osterman,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Verb
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From New York to Hollywood and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to Comments Stars have been everywhere this week.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Sey, who saw an opening in the market for a brand that speaks out on behalf of females everywhere, noted that no other athletic label is doing what XX-XY Athletics sets out to accomplish.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To do this, the revered panel of judges at its core don’t merely taste the liquids entered.—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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After tasting all of the bread and butter pickles, testers were then tasked with choosing their overall favorite.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Is there construction around Epic Universe? Those who have been to Epic Universe's previews or have driven around the area recently might notice the construction on the roads and areas outside of the park.—
Samantha Neely,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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After his College Hill debut, his skin cleared up and people noticed.—
India Espy-Jones,
Essence,
24 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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