SMELL Synonyms: 267 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

smell 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmel

Definition of smell next

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

Relevance

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

rule
rock

smell

2 of 2

noun

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

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

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

Examples 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

The 8 Best Wallpapers to Add Visual Flair to Any Room, According to Our Testing Set the Mood with Scent Kim Berg, a fragrance expert at Air Wick, says there’s a trending desire to not only make your space look dreamy but smell dreamy, too. —

Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2025 My waves, freshly washed with Herbal Essences and smelling amazing. —

Kara Nesvig, Allure, 13 Jan. 2025

Noun

The food grade silicone can be filled up hot or cold, keeps weird smells at bay, and is microwave and dishwasher safe. —

Christopher Hastings, Bon Appétit, 13 Jan. 2025 But none had the provenance and new-bike smell like Chassis No. 1 and Engine No. 3 of the NSR500V that just found a new home. —

William Roberson, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for smell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell

Verb

The guides here are known for being able to sniff out powder even several days after a storm.

— Cassidy Randall, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
Sure, real Hermès Birkin owners can sniff out the difference 5,000 miles away and may scoff at a bag that’s literally tens of thousands of dollars less, but people are saying the $229 version is high quality, gorgeous, and is giving Hermès a run for its money.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Dec. 2024