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
Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Plus, sticks provide them a direct link to the natural world through smells and other animals that might have interacted with it.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 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
But when seaweed washes ashore, the rotten egg smell can put a damper on beach days.
—Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Plus, sticks provide them a direct link to the natural world through smells and other animals that might have interacted with it.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Beatrix is forcing Charlie to drive her to a safe house, where the human lie detector will use her special talent to sniff out … whichever rodent term is appropriate here.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
8 May 2025
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Most hitters would rather sniff pine tar than face Estrada’s blend of 97-mph fastball, a devastating splitter and a sharp slider.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2025
Verb
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Last year, the Biden administration also began criticizing the de minimis exemption, with Chinese shippers sensing a clear vibe shift.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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As the 2021 deadline approached, both Crow-Armstrong and Vientos sensed they were involved in trade talks.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
1 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
Verb
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Millions of Americans are inhaling an addictive substance into their lungs that is being illegally sold in stores with no oversight.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2025
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When a person inhales or ingests cannabis, the bloodstream absorbs the THC.—
Angelica Bottaro,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Back to battle once again for their lives and a giant cash prize, the wordless preview sees contestants facing a series of high-stakes situations, involving guns, fists and an ominous giant gumball machine.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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Southern Baptist churches lost more than a quarter-million members nationwide in 2024, the 18th straight year of decline, but saw baptism and attendance numbers rise.—
Frank E. Lockwood,
Arkansas Online,
10 May 2025
Verb
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Dessert Options Multiply While canned and frozen options may be available year-round, there’s no denying that fresh fruit just tastes better—especially when baked into a cobbler or churned into ice cream.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
11 May 2025
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The base is wrapped with a thick cut of salty bacon, and each piece of breakfast sushi is topped with a super sweet plum sauce that tastes like the glaze on orange chicken.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
9 May 2025
Verb
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Rosario said he's noticed an increase in Latino jockeys over the last two decades.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
3 May 2025
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But editors noticed that this cake went beyond the classic grocery store flavors with a unique layer of filling in the center.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 16 May. 2025.
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