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
People typically use them to keep the house smelling consistently fresh, to replicate the signature scents found in hotels, spas and luxury retailers, to neutralize odors from pets, cooking or smoke, or to set a specific mood — relaxing, clean, seasonal or otherwise.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
The Spurs, meanwhile, appear to be smelling blood in the water.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Visitors will need to enter through the Japanese Garden Gates, and staff will be on-site to help those interested in seeing and smelling Horace.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
Over time, the molecules build up and leave your towels smelling like bleach.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
Hatched larvae then burrow into the animal's flesh and feed on living tissue, creating painful, foul-smelling wounds.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 June 2026
The village boutiques scattered along the sloping cobblestone alleys are just a five-minute stroll away, and offer the standard unremarkable Provence souvenirs—traditional fabrics, yellow pottery, straw bags, and sweet-smelling soaps.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Panish replayed for jurors testimony from Grossman’s daughter that, soon after the collision, Erickson arrived at the house smelling of alcohol.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Waitress clothes in a fish-smelling heap.
—Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 8 June 2026
The Spurs, meanwhile, appear to be smelling blood in the water.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
Visitors will need to enter through the Japanese Garden Gates, and staff will be on-site to help those interested in seeing and smelling Horace.
—Talia McWright, Twin Cities, 7 June 2026
Over time, the molecules build up and leave your towels smelling like bleach.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 7 June 2026
Hatched larvae then burrow into the animal's flesh and feed on living tissue, creating painful, foul-smelling wounds.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 6 June 2026
The village boutiques scattered along the sloping cobblestone alleys are just a five-minute stroll away, and offer the standard unremarkable Provence souvenirs—traditional fabrics, yellow pottery, straw bags, and sweet-smelling soaps.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Panish replayed for jurors testimony from Grossman’s daughter that, soon after the collision, Erickson arrived at the house smelling of alcohol.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2026
Waitress clothes in a fish-smelling heap.
—Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smelling
Verb
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The streamer on June 8 dropped an adorable photo of the real Great Dane puppy, as well as a brief teaser video that shows Scooby-Doo sniffing around in the woods before being picked up by Shaggy.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
8 June 2026
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The Pelicans just played a season with their current core and won 26 games, putting them miles away from even sniffing postseason play.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
26 May 2026
Verb
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The flowing fluid can transport hydraulic power to actuators, carry chemical substances such as drugs or sensing agents, and potentially transmit information signals through fluidic pathways.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
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As governments and industries seek faster communications, more capable radar systems, and advanced sensing technologies, high-frequency GaN devices are expected to play an increasingly important role in future wireless infrastructure.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Airline executives said they’re being forced to remove engines and take them for maintenance into crowded shops earlier than expected, which is driving up costs and sucking up the fuel savings they were supposed to get from the engines.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
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Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that can transmit dangerous viruses and bacteria, including Lyme disease.—
Dan Simms,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Take 30 to 40 deep cyclical breaths, inhaling fully into the belly and chest, exhaling without force.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
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People typically become infected with the virus by inhaling microscopic particles from these rodents' urine, feces or saliva, according to Stanford Health.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Verb
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With Alicia still feeling glum over the car ride from hell, Rosie shows up to her house with pink balloons and flowers to cheer her up.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
8 June 2026
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Platform flip-flops are having a major moment, and these Vionic High Tide sandals nail the trend without feeling overly sporty.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Quick hits Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade, who is seeing time at safety, blitzed Pickett for a would-be sack during 11-on-11 work.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
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As the top marketing and strategy officer for Lumen Technologies, Ryan Asdourian never tires of seeing his company’s name atop the Seattle Seahawks stadium, Lumen Field.—
Les Carpenter,
Washington Post,
10 June 2026
Verb
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As part of a series of pre-trial motions, Pino’s attorneys asked Tinkler Mendez to stop the jury from hearing about Puig’s injuries.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
10 June 2026
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To Palczewski, the wait from the crushing end of Denver’s 2025 season to hearing a deal was on the table felt long enough.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
10 June 2026
Verb
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Many are noticing the impact their reliance on technology has had on their relationships, and are craving real personal connections.—
Staff Author,
Parents,
7 June 2026
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The taboo is calling into question what a society instills in its people—all of its people—without their even noticing.—
Nina Mesfin,
New Yorker,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smelling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smelling. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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