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
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Recent Examples of smells
Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
The newest offering from Michelle Pfeiffer’s perfume line is a sheer, fig-forward musk that smells effortlessly sexy and cool.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
Both leafy herbs add a delicious freshness that tastes and smells like summer, even in the dead of winter.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
While cleaning out his wound before surgery arrives, Santos, who is really making a case for a future in pediatrics this season, smells alcohol on his breath.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Dishes like Indian street corn, pumpkin chana masala, and spicy seafood soup drive home the restaurant’s emphasis on spices and herbs, and an open-air setting allows diners to bask in the sounds and smells of the surrounding rainforest.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Common Causes of Washing Machine Odor Lingering odors and smells can come from a few different sources, our experts say.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
After the staff trial, several employees reported their dogs had a blast and fell fast asleep on the way home from the mental stimulation of new sights and smells.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
After the expiration date passes, check to see if your butter smells, looks, and tastes fine before tossing it out.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Joseph Hernandez
march 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
This prevents smells, reduces the risk of pests, and speeds up breakdown when burying the peels.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
However, these newer deodorants marketed as whole-body deodorants often do a good job at deodorizing the areas that create malodorous smells.
—ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Bad smells will back up into your house when pipes clog.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
After the noise and cigarette smells of the casinos and lounges, the fresh air, natural beauty and leisurely pace were a welcome antidote to the frenetic activity of the Las Vegas Strip.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
What are some other smells that bed bugs hate?
—Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026
Her skin is alive to the myriad tastes of the water all around her and to distant smells.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
But sometimes, that noise, those people, and all those sights and smells can feel a little too overwhelming.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026
The newest offering from Michelle Pfeiffer’s perfume line is a sheer, fig-forward musk that smells effortlessly sexy and cool.
—Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 9 Mar. 2026
Both leafy herbs add a delicious freshness that tastes and smells like summer, even in the dead of winter.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026
While cleaning out his wound before surgery arrives, Santos, who is really making a case for a future in pediatrics this season, smells alcohol on his breath.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
Dishes like Indian street corn, pumpkin chana masala, and spicy seafood soup drive home the restaurant’s emphasis on spices and herbs, and an open-air setting allows diners to bask in the sounds and smells of the surrounding rainforest.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
Common Causes of Washing Machine Odor Lingering odors and smells can come from a few different sources, our experts say.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
After the staff trial, several employees reported their dogs had a blast and fell fast asleep on the way home from the mental stimulation of new sights and smells.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 2 Mar. 2026
After the expiration date passes, check to see if your butter smells, looks, and tastes fine before tossing it out.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
Noun
The smells of chlorine from the indoor pool that sat below the upper level were washed away by the good times being had.
—Joseph Hernandez
march 9, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026
This prevents smells, reduces the risk of pests, and speeds up breakdown when burying the peels.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
However, these newer deodorants marketed as whole-body deodorants often do a good job at deodorizing the areas that create malodorous smells.
—ABC News, 3 Mar. 2026
Bad smells will back up into your house when pipes clog.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
After the noise and cigarette smells of the casinos and lounges, the fresh air, natural beauty and leisurely pace were a welcome antidote to the frenetic activity of the Las Vegas Strip.
—Penny E Schwartz, Oc Register, 1 Mar. 2026
What are some other smells that bed bugs hate?
—Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 25 Feb. 2026
Her skin is alive to the myriad tastes of the water all around her and to distant smells.
—Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 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
-
Finch senses the team figuring itself out as well.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
If a significant bloc of them begins to resist the preferences of the Revolutionary Guard or the remnants of Khamenei’s inner circle, that will signal that the clerical establishment senses the wind shifting.—
Bobby Ghosh,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Turner recently lost the NBA, which sucks and contributed about half the 9 percent ad sales drop in the final quarter of 2025.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
-
What comes inside sucks all the sound and air out of the pub.—
Danielle Parker,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Taurus April 20 – May 20 The cosmic breeze is carrying fascinating scents, drawing you out of your comfort zone into curious explorations.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Australian wines made from 100 percent Shiraz are often full-on powerhouses, from the first scents of blackberry, blueberry, violet, spice, and black pepper to tastes of black cherry, cassis, jalapeño, chocolate, and espresso that lead to a long, chewy finish.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
It’s built for extremes with IP68 waterproofing and 5x saltwater resistance, ensuring sea splashes or sweat won't stop its 50W of powerful audio.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Lightweight cottons and linens feel airy and relaxed, while washable blends are practical in a space consistently exposed to cooking splatter, splashes, and humidity.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The film follows a quiet inmate arriving at a violent Indonesian prison with a supernatural entity that kills those with the darkest auras.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This airbrush design on a long square nail comprises a mix of French-tip auras, clear blobs, and 3D florals for a fun and funky design.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The neighborhood/area NoMad has transformed in the past few years, now competing with the Lower East Side and the West Village for the coolest on the island—and the area feels like a perfect combo of the two.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The minute Monica sits down and starts barking orders in the ER, everyone feels much better.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Cold temperatures dull flavors and aromas—meaning your drink just won't be as full-flavored as one poured at room temperature or served over ice.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Chardonnay from Burgundy has a typical bouquet of wet river rock, crushed oyster shells, and sometimes a pleasant note of petrol that hits you before going deeper to assess the fruit aromas.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smells. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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