smell 1 of 2

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

Relevance
2
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
2
3

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
Instead of stopping the supplement, consider the following treatments or changes: Dietary changes: Your diet can greatly affect how your poop smells. Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 14 Apr. 2025 After even a short amount of time, a home with high humidity will begin to smell musty and grow mold. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
Mold Peeling paint, a musty smell, ceiling stains, and spongy-feeling walls are some signs of a moisture issue, and so a high probability of mold growth. Berit Thorkelson, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 The mixture should bubble vigorously and not produce a smell other than the smell of vinegar. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
  • Even more recent examples have struggled to maintain their early chart success, like Capaldi, who was touted as a male Adele after sending two songs to the top ten in 2019 and 2020, but has barely sniffed the Hot 100 since.
    Justin Curto, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Drama, romance and a thriller plot ensue as Frank tries to sniff out a dangerous stalker, with the final act playing out as Rachel wins the Best Picture Academy Award.
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Cuban forged a particular bond with Dumont, sensing long-term business opportunities with the son-in-law of Miriam Adelson, Sheldon’s widow.
    C. Clark, D. Aldridge, S. Amick, F. Katz, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Wall Street fears a hit to growth The stock market is a forward-looking barometer of investor sentiment — and tends to fall when investors sense collective danger.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
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
Noun
  • Prouvost engage audiences in quantum fundamentals not through complex explanations of concepts like qubits, but through video and sound developed with a quantum computer, as well scent and sculptural elements reflecting quantum phenomena.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Bring them into your home, too — at least the scent of them with this Yankee Candle.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Neither does the oak, even after almost 25 years, although that small amount of virgin oak barrels in the mix adds a splash of vibrant wood to the flavor profile.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The use of blue and limestone beige reflects Malta’s coastal hues, with accents of vibrant red to offer a splash of contrast.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In this scenario, the most likely outcome would involve Punk pinning Seth Rollins, providing a decisive conclusion to their ongoing feud with a clear pinfall victory, while strategically preserving Roman Reigns' aura of dominance and mystique by avoiding a direct pinfall loss to Punk.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Like Napoleon’s Uncle Rico, who dwells on his long-ago high-school-football days, Garrett is living in the faded aura of past glory: in his case, a 1989 video-game championship.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But inhaling enough can turn the act of breathing into an existential hazard, prompting or worsening asthma, COPD, respiratory infections, and permanent lung damage.
    Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Another great one is the 4-7-8 breath, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system: inhale for four counts, hold for seven and exhale slowly for eight.
    Michelle Stansbury, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The Gundam roster of units is also pretty strong and definitely feels more catered to a Western audience, which is no bad thing.
    Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!