1
2
as in senses
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in scents
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 splashes
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 auras
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
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Recent Examples of smells
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
The spirit smells like hazelnuts and tastes like peppercorns.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
This entire episode just smells rotten.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Our Stainless Steel Step Garbage Bin stays so much cleaner than a regular garbage bin; the stainless steel lid locks odors inside, so your trash never smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Seafood contaminated with norovirus looks, smells, and tastes normal, the FDA said.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Only one cardinal survived—smells like a snitch—and Urban was apparently disappointed by how little the other captive cardinals had screamed.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
After two days, bacteria can multiply to levels capable of making someone ill, even if the meat looks and smells fine.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
When the seaweed rots, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted, which smells like rotten eggs.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
These dishes will fill your kitchen with fun sounds and mouthwatering smells.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Inside Akal Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop on Wyoming’s high plains, the smells of sizzling garlic and earthy curry powder permeate the air.
—David Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Triggers can be smells, sounds, places, postures or tones of voice.
—Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Clean Outdoor Food Areas After Every Use Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
This helps absorb lingering smells.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
The line taps into Eastern herbal medicine and smells incredible—a waft of botanicals that stays with you all day.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 May 2026
The spirit smells like hazelnuts and tastes like peppercorns.
—Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
This entire episode just smells rotten.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Our Stainless Steel Step Garbage Bin stays so much cleaner than a regular garbage bin; the stainless steel lid locks odors inside, so your trash never smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Seafood contaminated with norovirus looks, smells, and tastes normal, the FDA said.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Only one cardinal survived—smells like a snitch—and Urban was apparently disappointed by how little the other captive cardinals had screamed.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
After two days, bacteria can multiply to levels capable of making someone ill, even if the meat looks and smells fine.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
When the seaweed rots, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted, which smells like rotten eggs.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
In fact, there are a wide variety of strong smells, including garlic and many essential oils, that may also repel ants in your home.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
These dishes will fill your kitchen with fun sounds and mouthwatering smells.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Inside Akal Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop on Wyoming’s high plains, the smells of sizzling garlic and earthy curry powder permeate the air.
—David Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Triggers can be smells, sounds, places, postures or tones of voice.
—Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Clean Outdoor Food Areas After Every Use Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
This helps absorb lingering smells.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smells
Verb
-
In the video, Chilli sniffs large bricks to locate the scent a trainer shared with him.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Tovar is the one officer who immediately sniffs out that there’s something weird about Gacy, and Luna incrementally nudges the character further and further into obsession.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Trigeminovascular System Activation Initiates Headache Pain The initiation of cortical spreading depression, which is linked to an aura, also activates the trigeminovascular system, a network of nerves and blood vessels in your head that senses pain and sends signals to your brain.—
Anna Giorgi,
Verywell Health,
30 Apr. 2026
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The team also found genetic differences between cancers that were able to spread in the heart and those that were not, and identified a protein that senses mechanical forces and reduces the activity of genes linked to proliferation in cancer cells.—
Anil Oza,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In Episode 2, Cassie dresses like a baby and sucks on a pacifier, which caused quite a stir online.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
21 Apr. 2026
-
And the press just sucks it up like a Hoover Deluxe.—
Natalia Mittelstadt,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Over the years, Malone has worked extensively with Zara, creating a range of fragrances at different price points that sell alongside the retailer’s in-house scents.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
-
Choose a Seasonal Scent Candles, diffusers, and room sprays can help set the scene with scents that feel both fresh and of-the-moment.—
Patricia Shannon,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Caffeine powders, energy drink mixes and juice splashes can pile on stimulants and sugar quickly, especially when stacked together in the same drink.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
-
Morning is generally better than evening, because any splashes have time to dry before nightfall.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The tortoiseshell palette is deconstructed in this look, which features a blend of full torties, chocolate brown tips, and barley there caramel auras.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
-
These characters have been somewhat thinly drawn despite the vibrant auras of Joy Sunday and Richard Jenkins since the beginning.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Adjust the pace, keep moving, and follow what feels expansive.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
-
The latest Disney super app concept feels like a solution in search of a problem that nobody wants or needs, according to the Disney Tourist Blog’s Tom Bricker.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
By preparing traditional Slovenian dishes, my mother filled our home with delicious aromas but also connected Barron to his heritage.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
-
Try clean citrus scents like lemon and bergamot, or something a bit more herbaceous like rosemary or basil, to complement kitchen aromas.—
Kylie Petty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smells. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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