Synonyms of smells

smells 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of smell

1

as in sniffs

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

• sniffs
• inhales
• scents
• whiffs
• noses
• snuffs
• breathes
• drinks (in)
• snorts
• respires
• savors
• snuffles

2

as in senses

to have a vague awareness of

I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• senses
• feels
• sees
• notices
• tastes
• perceives
• hears
• scents
• sights
• expects
• looks (at)
• realizes
• eyes
• notes
• anticipates
• witnesses
• discovers
• remarks
• learns
• beholds
• discerns
• views
• suspects
• distinguishes
• observes
• foresees
• finds out
• spies
• regards
• espies
• supposes
• descries
• presumes
• guesses
• assumes
• ascertains
• speculates
• catches on (to)
• divines
• surmises
• foreknows
• conjectures

3

as in sucks

to be objectionable or unsatisfactory

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sucks
• bites
• stinks

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rocks
• rules

smells

2 of 2

noun

plural of smell

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

• scents
• aromas
• stenches
• sniffs
• odors
• fragrances
• perfumes
• whiffs
• savors
• stinks
• spices
• redolences
• reeks
• fragrancies
• malodors
• attars
• musks
• bouquets
• tangs
• incenses
• funks
• aromaticities
• fetors
• rancidities
• ambrosias

2

as in splashes

a very small amount

the pie has barely a smell of ginger, but lots of cinnamon

Synonyms & Similar Words

• splashes
• specks
• hints
• touches
• glimmers
• sprinklings
• little
• licks
• bits
• traces
• particles
• sparks
• shadows
• shades
• dabs
• smacks
• bites
• flecks
• handfuls
• spatters
• rays
• ounces
• crumbs
• suspicions
• peanuts
• drams
• streaks
• tastes
• shreds
• nips
• mites
• spots
• strains
• drops
• slivers
• soupçons
• scruples
• driblets
• pinches
• molecules
• smidgens
• skoshes
• snaps
• dashes
• scintillas
• parts
• drops in the bucket
• grains
• aces
• vestiges
• atoms
• syllables
• patches
• granules
• doses
• fragments
• scraps
• nibbles
• motes
• portions
• dots
• semblances
• jots
• minims
• sections
• morsels
• minima
• flyspecks
• hoots
• shivers
• nubbins
• whits
• chips
• modicums
• flakes
• smatterings
• splinters
• iotas
• clippings
• scatterings
• shards
• shavings
• tittles
• smatters
• parings
• tatters
• smithereens
• shots

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loads
• piles
• quantities
• mountains
• lots
• masses
• barrels
• stacks
• heaps
• deals
• bushels
• bundles
• messes
• buckets
• gobs
• boatloads
• abundances
• fistfuls
• wads
• reams
• rafts
• scads
• oodles
• pecks
• volumes
• much
• wealths
• lashings
• profusions
• excesses
• potfuls
• surpluses
• overflows
• plenties
• passels
• embarrassments
• superfluities
• slabs
• chunks
• bonanzas
• lumps
• overmuch
• hunks
• overages
• surfeits
• oversupplies
• superabundances
• overabundances
• overkills

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

• auras
• aromas
• feels
• atmospheres
• feelings
• flavors
• senses
• odors
• airs
• moods
• vibrations
• climates
• ambiences
• tempers
• notes
• halos
• patinas
• karmas
• characteristics
• spirits
• romances
• nimbi
• sensations
• pictures
• images
• notions
• attributes
• tones
• traits
• properties
• colors
• mystiques
• aureoles
• illusions
• peculiarities
• suggestions
• overtones
• genius locis
• characters
• marks
• semblances

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of smells

Verb

The Phlur Vanilla Skin Body Oil smells cozy yet sophisticated, with balanced notes of pink pepper, sandalwood, and soft florals. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

In July, Choy's brand went a step further and launched a durian flower perfume that smells sweet and floral. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Unsuspecting shoppers inevitably will be lured by the delicious smells — and perhaps find their new favorite food court vendor. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 Sep. 2026

Foul smells, texture changes, or mold are signs that food is spoiled and should be discarded. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2026

Use the strong smells along with other measures, and reapply often since these smells dissipate after a few days or in rainy weather. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2026

The air smells of jasmine, fresh bread from the bakery, and the sea. — Chadner Navarro, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026

Adriatic sage brings the outdoors in—this candle smells like an open window in the height of Italian summer, sunlight on tile floors, and triple servings of pasta to come in the late dusk. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2026

Officials advise residents not to drink tap water that looks, smells or tastes unusual and to avoid drinking it if there is any question about its safety. — Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

Multisensory journeys have been developed to immerse clients in the rituals, music and smells inspired by the lifestyles of these destinations. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

In June, a fire east of downtown in a massive frozen-food warehouse left neighbors to endure weeks of foul smells and frustration. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Fossum notes that veterinarians sometimes use odor as a diagnostic clue because certain skin conditions produce distinctive smells. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026

De Anda’s neighbors recalled hearing — and reporting to local authorities — barking and foul smells from the property, The Times reported in March. — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026

Exhaust fumes mimic the smells of decaying organic matter, tricking lovebugs looking for nesting grounds. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026

Beware of bad smells Upon entering a rental, Jones will get a good whiff of the place. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Sep. 2026

The other special effects, like the spurts of air that shoot out of the headrests or the smells that waft throughout the theater, were few and far between during this screening. — Meredith G. White, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Cinnamon Rodents hate spicy smells, including the smell of cinnamon. — Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 28 Aug. 2026