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

Relevance
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
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
The color scheme, the smell of grass, the annual screening of VeggieTales: An Easter Carol, which is the same story as Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, except that it’s set at Easter and all the characters are vegetables who work in a factory (the Scrooge character is a zucchini). — Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025 Several residents called to report the smell to the department, Huntersville fire said in a post on X Tuesday. — Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 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
  • 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
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • The study also found that movement positively impacted interoception, or the ability to sense internal states, which is foundational for emotional regulation and stress recovery.
    — Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Stack can sense that death is coming for the old man.
    — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 19 Apr. 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
  • 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
Definition of scent
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
Definition of splash
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
Definition of aura
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
Definition of inhale
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
  • In fact, 43% of employees surveyed by Korn Ferry say leadership isn’t aligned, and 37% report feeling directionless.
    — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2025
Definition of feel

Browse Nearby Words

smears
smell
smelled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 27 Apr. 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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