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
Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
Sonny Carrillo was headed to a friend’s birthday dinner, dressed up and smelling of Acqua di Gio cologne.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The most common symptoms were fatigue, irritability and mood changes, headaches, runny nose, cough, and loss of smell and taste.
—Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Here’s the deal: The best Oribe products smell ridiculously good, leave hair silky-soft, noticeably stronger, and are worth every bit of the splurge.
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 5 June 2025
Sonny Carrillo was headed to a friend’s birthday dinner, dressed up and smelling of Acqua di Gio cologne.
—Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
State police alleged that Jones was showing clear signs of impairment, including bloodshot and glossy eyes as well as the smell of alcohol coming from him.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2025
The most common symptoms were fatigue, irritability and mood changes, headaches, runny nose, cough, and loss of smell and taste.
—Anuradha Varanasi, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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By comparison, the males with more agreeable personalities sniffed the tubes more calmly.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
28 May 2025
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Loyal fans and Substack readers looking for deeper dives into a brand world can sniff out when something is done strictly as a marketing play.—
Karin Eldor,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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However, as the trial progresses, Merritt can sense the jury losing confidence in her argument.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 May 2025
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One important skill to master is how to read the room, to sense what the audience needs more of or less of—and to respond not only with prepared content, but with adaptable presence.—
Thomas Lim,
Forbes.com,
28 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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When aerosols such as sea spray or smoke are inhaled, the fine particles can reach deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and even the brain when the particles are small enough.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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When using bleach, try not to inhale any of the fumes and open windows when possible.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Verb
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And an April 2024 poll by the Pew Research Center found that 31% of Jews younger than 35 felt Hamas' reasons for fighting were valid, compared to just 10% for Jews aged 35 and older.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
8 June 2025
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With all-star voting underway, Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers has the best shot to rep Miami if voters are feeling charitable or looking for a token Fish. 10.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
8 June 2025
Verb
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Y’all probably saw me at Dream Con earlier, across y’all’s phone screens getting assaulted by DDG, his brother, [and] one of his friends.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
2 June 2025
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Buy tickets to see your favorite artist and savor an unforgettable concert.—
Essence,
Essence,
2 June 2025
Verb
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Get the scoop on the coolest new treats in the ice cream aisle Our testers screamed for ice cream while tasting the PEOPLE Food Awards 2025.—
Sabrina Weiss,
People.com,
4 June 2025
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Here is a brief snapshot of each medal winner and the judges' tasting notes.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
3 June 2025
Verb
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Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
30 May 2025
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Other journalists noticed a drop-off in performance for the convertibles, and probably more so than the mild weight gains of just about 100 lbs (45 kg) might suggest.—
Michael Teo Van Runkle,
ArsTechnica,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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