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
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Recent Examples of smell
Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Let all this go unchecked, and your oven will either look bad, smell bad, or both.
—Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2025
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
Verb
Speaking of leisure time, Taurus season’s sensual and pleasure-seeking energy will inspire you to stop and smell the roses come April 19.
—Nina Kahn, StyleCaster, 24 Mar. 2025
Let all this go unchecked, and your oven will either look bad, smell bad, or both.
—Matthew Korfhage, WIRED, 16 Mar. 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
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And Woltman and the team started pushing the song to alternative radio, sensing an opportunity to expand its success there.—
Andrew Unterberger,
Billboard,
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
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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
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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
Verb
-
Many individuals feel too stressed or busy will avoid treating themselves, according to a study by Cornell SC Johnson College of Business published in the Journal of Consumer Research.—
Kate Wieczorek,
Forbes.com,
29 Mar. 2025
-
Understanding the difference can feel like a bit of a chemistry lesson.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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