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
Merve Ceylan, Health, 2 Sep. 2025
The vape smoke smelled like unicorn farts.
—Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2025
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
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
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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
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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
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La Sibilla and Cantina del Mare both produce wines with abundant salinity, and in the whites wines (from Falanghina Flegria), one senses the surrounding landscape acutely.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 Aug. 2025
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However, Simpson didn't have that marquee moment in the game in which Alabama could sense that a comeback was brewing.—
Eduardo Razo,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The 10-play drive culminated with a spectacular one-handed grab by LSU transfer Daniels, whose outstretched arm sucked the ball into his body between Notre Dame defensive backs Adon Shuler and Leonard Moore.—
Susan Miller Degnan,
Miami Herald,
1 Sep. 2025
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Plus, its strong suction sucks up pet hair, dust, dirt, crumbs, and more debris.—
Melody Kazel,
People.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
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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
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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
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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
Verb
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Taylor also drew false-start and holding penalties in the first half, and teammate Travis Kelce had seen enough during the Chiefs’ season-opening game Friday against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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However, only select regions will get to see the eclipse, including New Zealand, southern Australia, parts of the Pacific and Atlantic, Asia, Africa, and Antarctica.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lincoln Park is also home to many of the bucket-list tasting menu spots like Alinea.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
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The reality is that though the individual components of fire cider may be good for you, the finished product may not taste great.—
Maggie O'Neill,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That 2024 law induced the companies to decrease the odds of winning, which negatively affected bettors in the aggregate, albeit not in so direct a way that the casual gambler would notice.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
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Those who noticed the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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