smell 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmel How to pronounce smell (audio)
Definition of smellnext
1
as in to sniff
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 to sense
to have a vague awareness of I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to suck
to be objectionable or unsatisfactory that movie smells—I wouldn't waste my money on it if I were you

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

smell

2 of 2

noun

1
as in scent
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 splash
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 aura
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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun smell contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of smell are aroma, odor, and scent. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

When is it sensible to use aroma instead of smell?

The meanings of aroma and smell largely overlap; however, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When could scent be used to replace smell?

Although the words scent and smell have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of smell
Verb
Losing the ability to smell is a common early sign of Parkinson’s. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 11 Mar. 2025 The place smells great and has a warehouse-bar vibe. —Worth Sparkman, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
Noun
To bring in a natural scent, try adding lavender and sage plants to make your home smell fresh and sweet. —Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025 Research shows that length of day, smell, the location of the sun and the stars and even sensing the earth's magnetic field are all involved. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
  1. sniff
  2. sense
  3. suck
  4. scent
  5. splash
  6. aura
  7. inhale
  8. feel
Verb
  • In recent years, one of the busiest weeks in the publishing calendar has seen something of a small and big screen invasion, as producers and agents sniffing out the next Normal People, Lessons in Chemistry or Conclave descend on the English capital to see what’s what.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The first segment of the video shows the mom cradling tiny Kobe in her arms while Ruben, the older , stands on his hind legs, eagerly sniffing his new sibling with his tail wagging enthusiastically.
    — Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • The impact of Mastery points and level progression can be sensed throughout the game.
    — George Yang, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Kayce certainly seems to sense something is different, if the video posted to TikTok under the handle EmFiedler is anything to go by.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of sense
Verb
  • That’s the fun thing for me, is there’s no reason the next one couldn’t suck back in and be a chamber piece again.
    — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2022
  • Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of suck
Noun
  • The steam created from the heated lemon water loosens the debris, and the lemon creates a clean, fresh scent throughout.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Daniel Edwards grew up immersed in the sights and sounds of construction — the scent of sawdust and the hum of machinery hauling lumber.
    — J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Dallas didn’t make a huge splash with any of their offseason additions but re-signed and restructured the contracts of several key players.
    — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2025
  • What this means: The Bears didn’t wait long to make a big splash in the free-agency waters, zeroing in on the top available center and reaching a deal in the first half-hour of the NFL’s negotiating window.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of splash
Noun
  • Another brand that elicited an aura of femininity through the creation of the romance on the runway was N°21.
    — Elizabeth Grace Coyne, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • An aura of rebellious Britishness radiated through the bold clash of tartans, black leather motorcycle jackets, and ornate embellishments that evoked the iconic style of Pearly Kings and Queens.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of aura
Verb
  • The pope suffered a number of respiratory complications, such as inhaling some vomit that led to aspiration and required noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
  • When ingested or inhaled, these microplastics can release these chemicals into the body, potentially leading to adverse health effects.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • The plan is to go clubbing, and right away things start to feel dodgy.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
  • That’s largely gone this time around, as each thread feels far more integrated even when dealing with characters hundreds of miles apart.
    — Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of feel

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Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Nglish: Translation of smell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smell

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