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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of smells
Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Both agree that even the rain, somehow, smells different in this country.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Make the living room more inviting with a scented candle that smells like Christmas cookies, a Lego poinsettia building set that can be displayed as decor, and other festive finds.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Abandoned Mansion smells like history and curiosity intertwined, the scent of someone worth unraveling.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Black River, Jamaica — The air smells of damp earth and drying mud.
—David Culver, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
To keep pungent grease smells at bay, plan to thoroughly clean your range hood, specifically the vent, every 3 to 6 months.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Not the view, but these first sounds, smells, and tastes landed me in South America.
—Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The sunbaked air smells like creosote.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Spraying and cleaning the interior surfaces will remove stains and prevent unpleasant smells.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
And don’t expect exotic smells that kick off a sneezing fit.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Are there horrible smells wafting around?
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 7 Jan. 2026
Instead of getting used to the smells, her misery intensified with each passing day.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Peppermint Oil Using essential oils to repel pests is more pleasant than having chemical smells in your home.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
This Mumi Travel Laundry Bag is made of moisture-proof and odor-resistant material that locks in funky smells, preventing the rest of your clothing from getting stinky.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
If fancy smells aren’t your thing, there’s also a fragrance-free version.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
Open air is what [Texas] smells like.
—Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2025
Both agree that even the rain, somehow, smells different in this country.
—Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Nov. 2025
Make the living room more inviting with a scented candle that smells like Christmas cookies, a Lego poinsettia building set that can be displayed as decor, and other festive finds.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Abandoned Mansion smells like history and curiosity intertwined, the scent of someone worth unraveling.
—Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 5 Nov. 2025
Black River, Jamaica — The air smells of damp earth and drying mud.
—David Culver, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
To keep pungent grease smells at bay, plan to thoroughly clean your range hood, specifically the vent, every 3 to 6 months.
—Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2025
Not the view, but these first sounds, smells, and tastes landed me in South America.
—Ryan Knighton, AFAR Media, 31 Oct. 2025
The sunbaked air smells like creosote.
—Rowan Jacobsen, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
To find the source of lingering pet smells, Welch suggests investing in a quality blacklight.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Spraying and cleaning the interior surfaces will remove stains and prevent unpleasant smells.
—Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
And don’t expect exotic smells that kick off a sneezing fit.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
Are there horrible smells wafting around?
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 7 Jan. 2026
Instead of getting used to the smells, her misery intensified with each passing day.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
Peppermint Oil Using essential oils to repel pests is more pleasant than having chemical smells in your home.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2026
This Mumi Travel Laundry Bag is made of moisture-proof and odor-resistant material that locks in funky smells, preventing the rest of your clothing from getting stinky.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 5 Jan. 2026
If fancy smells aren’t your thing, there’s also a fragrance-free version.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
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
-
Sandeep Vaheesan, the legal director at the Open Markets Institute, senses similar changes—but welcomes them.—
Nick Bowlin,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
-
Her character, Zosia, may have had to honor Carol Sturka’s (Rhea Seehorn) request for an atom bomb, but based on their parting glance, Wydra still senses some indecision from Carol about this manner of escalation.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Other high-end finds include platform Ugg boots that can literally elevate your winter wardrobe, plus a Bissell vacuum that sucks up debris and washes floors clean.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Robert’s life sucks, right down to his depressingly sparse apartment.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
What to Do The best way to fall in love with this beautiful city is to explore it by foot, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents that make each neighborhood unique.—
Emily Baldwin,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Give me all the fruity, gourmand and feminine scents galore.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Designed for high-performance durability, the IP65 water-resistant frames are crafted from lightweight TR90 material, ensuring a pressure-free fit that can withstand sweat and splashes.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Stanley 12-Ounce Stay-Hot Camp Mug A secure, press-to-fit lid ensures that this mug locks in your drink’s temperature and prevents splashes simultaneously.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
People read auras and palms, too.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But now, without improved results between the pipes, the Atlantic Division win the Leafs earned last season feels improbable.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
When a baby or toddler has a meltdown or feels overwhelmed, parents can see it as an opportunity to teach resilience.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
What Smells Mice Dislike Cinnamon While the smell of cinnamon is reminiscent of autumn aromas and homemade breakfasts, mice don’t feel the same way.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Thiols are responsible for the distinctive aromas of skunk spray and ripe durian; they’re also added to natural gas to provide a detectable rotten-egg smell at even trace levels.—
Nicola Twilley,
New Yorker,
5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smells. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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