1
as in sniffing
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose
we smelled the aroma of freshly baked cookies as soon as we walked in the house
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in sensing
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smelling
The woman’s husband, a scrawny man in a shabby work uniform, smelling of sewage, drooped behind the gurney.
—
Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
The Drew Barrymore Show previously went viral for Drew Barrymore smelling her own feet.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
For Getting Rid Of Odors Is your kitchen smelling less than appetizing after cooking fish the previous night?
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
The owner, smelling free labor, agreed.
—Sofía Pereda, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Why not throw Lady Gaga into that potent and sweet-smelling stew of Hollywood talent?
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
For a sweet-smelling fall centerpiece, add potpourri of your choice.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
And with the holidays right around the corner, keep in mind that a sweet-smelling scented candle gift makes a lovely present for just about anyone on your list—from a coworker to your votive-loving mom.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Whether any serious cooperation between rival parties materializes remains to be seen, however, with those on both the far left and right smelling blood earlier this week, calling for Macron’s resignation and new parliamentary and/or presidential elections.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
The Drew Barrymore Show previously went viral for Drew Barrymore smelling her own feet.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
For Getting Rid Of Odors Is your kitchen smelling less than appetizing after cooking fish the previous night?
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2025
The owner, smelling free labor, agreed.
—Sofía Pereda, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025
Why not throw Lady Gaga into that potent and sweet-smelling stew of Hollywood talent?
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025
For a sweet-smelling fall centerpiece, add potpourri of your choice.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025
And with the holidays right around the corner, keep in mind that a sweet-smelling scented candle gift makes a lovely present for just about anyone on your list—from a coworker to your votive-loving mom.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2025
Whether any serious cooperation between rival parties materializes remains to be seen, however, with those on both the far left and right smelling blood earlier this week, calling for Macron’s resignation and new parliamentary and/or presidential elections.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smelling
Verb
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Common signals include sniffing, circling, squatting, or whining.—
Madeline Gunderson,
USA Today,
19 Oct. 2025
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With help from a drug-sniffing dog and X-ray technology, CBP officers discovered packages hidden inside the car.—
Greg Wehner,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The development could revolutionize precision sensing and open new avenues for quantum research.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Oct. 2025
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These materials’ unique properties are opening new possibilities for sensing in health, safety and environmental monitoring.—
Bohong Zhang,
The Conversation,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The lesson of Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement's blood-sucking mockumentary?—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The Red Raiders took advantage, scoring two touchdowns in two minutes to take a soul-sucking 22-19 lead with two minutes left.—
Doug Haller,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Essential oils can be used in various ways, such as inhaling them through a diffuser or applying a diluted solution to the skin.—
Emily Brown,
Verywell Health,
21 Oct. 2025
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Miners argue increased subjection to the dust has led to an eruption of black lung, an incurable disease associated with inhaling the particles.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That’s not the only sector feeling the talent squeeze.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
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High-protein desserts can be a great way to indulge your sweet tooth, promote satiety (feeling satisfied after eating), balance blood sugar, and support muscle repair.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In his eight wins, all eight have come inside the distance, with only two fights seeing a second round.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Looking forward to seeing Becks on our plane ride home.—
Lydia Mee,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Nevertheless, after hearing that exchange, my Athletic colleague Ken Rosenthal tracked down the manager himself to explore this very topic.—
Jayson Stark,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Even after hearing that member's most candid review of the experience, Willmore admits that his younger self still longed to be a part of Greek life.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Speaking of noticing new things, rewatching the film all these years later, fans have discovered that Meredith Blake wasn't exactly the villain she was made out to be.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
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Start by noticing what naturally draws your eye.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smelling. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
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