Synonyms of smelling

smelling

verb

present participle of smell

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

• sniffing
• inhaling
• scenting
• whiffing
• snuffing
• breathing
• nosing
• drinking (in)
• snorting
• respiring
• snuffling
• savoring

2

as in sensing

to have a vague awareness of

I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sensing
• feeling
• seeing
• hearing
• noticing
• perceiving
• tasting
• scenting
• expecting
• realizing
• anticipating
• discovering
• looking (at)
• noting
• learning
• remarking
• spying
• witnessing
• viewing
• observing
• beholding
• distinguishing
• ascertaining
• sighting
• eyeing
• discerning
• regarding
• suspecting
• espying
• guessing
• foreseeing
• finding out
• divining
• supposing
• descrying
• speculating
• assuming
• presuming
• catching on (to)
• foreknowing
• conjecturing
• surmising

3

as in sucking

to be objectionable or unsatisfactory

that movie smells—I wouldn't waste my money on it if I were you

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sucking
• biting
• stinking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ruling
• rocking

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smelling

Dove adds that the skin’s microbiome shifts with hormonal changes, aging and lifestyle habits, which can lead to more odor-causing bacteria breaking down sweat into stronger-smelling compounds. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Ants line up and overrun a picnic through smelling a neighbor’s pheromones with their tiny antennae. — Michael Morris, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026

On admission, the patient usually arrives well-groomed, smelling nice, well-nourished, and — above all — deeply loved by the caregiver who has devoted a large chunk of their life to their wellbeing. — Alicja Turczyk, The Dial, 29 Sep. 2026

The deputy also reported smelling alcohol and marijuana, according to the Courier Journal. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Redness, open sores, discharge, foul-smelling ears, lumps or recurring skin issues all warrant a vet visit, not a grooming session. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Sep. 2026

Redness, sores, unusual discharge, foul-smelling ears or lumps should all go to a vet rather than a home grooming session. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026

Removing a small number of the oldest stems will let the plant continue to grow in a balanced way, and can help your sweet-smelling vines resist winter wind. — The Spruce, 13 Sep. 2026

Toss the lemons into the washer and run a quick cycle with hot water to leave the machine shining and smelling fresh. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2026