1
2
as in to sense
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of smell
Shalwah Evans, People.com, 10 July 2025
In late 2010, two people complained to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, which handles grievances related to IFC projects, about water pollution, soil pollution and foul smells from the Santo Domingo facilities.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Health, 14 July 2025
Additionally, Luke now wears nose inserts with essential oils on them to mask the smells of overwhelming foods.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Exciting on-sale items include Samsonite luggage with more than 5,400 five-star ratings, popular Apple AirPods that might sell out before the event is over, a Yankee Candle find that smells like summer, and a Coach bag that’s more than $150 off.
—Shalwah Evans, People.com, 10 July 2025
In late 2010, two people complained to the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman, which handles grievances related to IFC projects, about water pollution, soil pollution and foul smells from the Santo Domingo facilities.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
Unpleasant smell: Beef tallow may have a mild, buttery, or beef-like smell.
—Health, 14 July 2025
Additionally, Luke now wears nose inserts with essential oils on them to mask the smells of overwhelming foods.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
-
Toronto’s starting catcher regressed to normalcy, hitting .251 in 2023 and 2024, not sniffing double-digit homers or an above-average OPS.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
After the participants sniffed the odor pens, the researchers showed them pictures that corresponded to each one.—
Yasemin Saplakoglu,
Quanta Magazine,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
The researchers found that sound expanded the size of the sites where cells attached to surrounding tissues, most likely by activating an enzyme called focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which senses mechanical forces and helps to guide tissue development.—
Simon Makin,
Scientific American,
30 June 2025
-
It is offered freely and preemptively, where one partner senses when the other might need grounding, especially in moments of conflict, stress or self-doubt.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Verb
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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
-
This particular flavor pulls inspiration from peach iced tea for a fruity, sweet scent.—
Izzy Baskette,
People.com,
8 July 2025
-
Whether you’re drawn to the floral notes of Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum or prefer something more woodsy and masculine like Ralph Lauren's Ralph’s Club, now is the ideal time to stock up on a new signature scent, grab travel-sized sprays for TSA, or pick up gifts for friends and family.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
There’s also a splash pad and playground for the kids.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
-
Enjoy playscapes, a swimming pool, splash pads for the kids, sports fields Dillon Stadium and historic buildings.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
But there’s an aura of inevitability around the Blue Jays right now.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
Among the 16 all-new Houseguests competing for the $750,000 grand prize this summer are an aura painter, a dungeon master and a professional bull rider.—
Carson Blackwelder,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Lime dries out lungs by drawing out moisture from skin and when it’s inhaled, according to the report.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
6 July 2025
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In all its momentum, the show’s biggest obstacle appeared to be a moth, which Jenkins inhaled and choked on near the end of the show.—
jsonline.com,
jsonline.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
The Panthers are banking on a repeat performance, even if Jackson feels like a potential regression candidate.—
Mike Kaye
July 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 July 2025
-
The picturesque port city embraces its past and readily shares it with visitors, though not in a way that feels like schoolwork.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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