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
Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Odor repellents, usually sprays, contain ingredients that smell like sulfur to rabbits but are undetectable to humans.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
The locals come there for their delicious burgers and the smell from the grill will hit you upon arrival.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Developed especially for cooks, this luxe soap exfoliates, moisturizes, and even neutralizes garlic and onion smells.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Odor repellents, usually sprays, contain ingredients that smell like sulfur to rabbits but are undetectable to humans.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Noun
Customer reviews consistently call this medium-firm mattress out as one of the best memory foam mattresses, specifically citing the minimal off-gassing smell, the perfect amount of cushioning, and its pain-relieving design.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
The locals come there for their delicious burgers and the smell from the grill will hit you upon arrival.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 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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This series feels a lot more important than a late-May series should feel.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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With a wide variety of dining options, from international cuisines to specialty restaurants, every meal feels like an adventure in itself.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Verb
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Todd and Julie did see a minor court victory in 2019 when the Georgia Department of Revenue cleared the couple of a $2 million state tax evasion charge stemming from a two-year investigation of nearly eight years of returns beginning in 2008.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
2 June 2025
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Patchy Mix Betting Odds and Line Movement With Mix being somewhat of an unknown to many fight fans who spend most of their time focusing on the UFC, the opening odds for this contest saw Mix and Bautista both listed at -110.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
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For those still reaching for a Bordeaux comparison when tasting Napa or Bolgheri, the conversation has moved on.—
Jessica Dupuy,
Forbes.com,
21 May 2025
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For some prospects, it’s been several years since tasting the postseason, dating back to their junior days.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
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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
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Karen Walsh began to notice a change in her husband back in 2017.—
Jon Hamilton,
NPR,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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