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
While walking toward the apartment, the property manager stated that the apartment smelled like something died in there, according to the warrant affidavit. —Kellie Love, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025 Here’s what else to know: Why does seaweed smell so bad? —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
But when seaweed washes ashore, the rotten egg smell can put a damper on beach days. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2025 Plus, sticks provide them a direct link to the natural world through smells and other animals that might have interacted with it. —Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 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
  • Beatrix is forcing Charlie to drive her to a safe house, where the human lie detector will use her special talent to sniff out … whichever rodent term is appropriate here.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 8 May 2025
  • Most hitters would rather sniff pine tar than face Estrada’s blend of 97-mph fastball, a devastating splitter and a sharp slider.
    — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • Last year, the Biden administration also began criticizing the de minimis exemption, with Chinese shippers sensing a clear vibe shift.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
  • As the 2021 deadline approached, both Crow-Armstrong and Vientos sensed they were involved in trade talks.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 May 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
  • My nightly shower regimen has turned into an everything shower, complete with subtle sea salt scents, scrubs, and body washes infused with nourishing and replenishing ingredients.
    — Jessica Fields, Essence, 8 May 2025
  • One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
    — Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 7 May 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Add Alcohol or Vinegar for Depth: A splash of bourbon, beer, or even balsamic vinegar can bring a deep, complex flavor to your sauce.
    — Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 6 May 2025
  • For something that requires a bit less commitment than an accent wall or ceiling, try a splash of color with a framed piece of art.
    — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
Definition of splash
Noun
  • There was a businesslike aura about a team known for their bravado — no shouting, no taunting or joking.
    — Kelly Iko, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • The gray metallic fixturing in the denim area projects a youthful aura, and there are oversize mirrors, 8.8 feet by 5 feet, for head-to-toe viewing.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
Definition of aura
Verb
  • Millions of Americans are inhaling an addictive substance into their lungs that is being illegally sold in stores with no oversight.
    — Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
  • When a person inhales or ingests cannabis, the bloodstream absorbs the THC.
    — Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • South of the border: 'Too scary' U.S. industries are already feeling a cold wind from up north.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • On the morning of April 14, a 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit San Diego County and was widely felt across Southern California and northern Mexico.
    — Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 4 May 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 17 May. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Nglish: Translation of smell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about 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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All