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
Scent: Ripe peaches and nectarines will smell intense at peak ripeness.14 Properly store unripened nectarines and peaches in a dry place and away from direct sunlight. —Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025 For delta smelt, that means a tag no heavier than 0.002 ounces. —Moira Donovan, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 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
  1. sniff
  2. sense
  3. suck
  4. scent
  5. splash
  6. aura
  7. inhale
  8. feel
Verb
  • At first, the dog opened her eyes and then instantly started to sniff the air to understand what was going on.
    — Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • No flashy business builders, just emotionally intelligent people who can sniff out bad advisors, build real teams, and create an environment of trust.
    — Jerry R. Sneed, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2025
  • When a vital partner senses a workforce lacks confidence, brand damage is possible—a reputational liability.
    — Tom Daly, Forbes.com, 14 July 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
  • The smell will fade overtime as the blinds begin to dry, but diluting vinegar with water helps minimize the potency of the scent.
    — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
  • The restaurant offers a fully immersive farm to table experience from the furniture made from olive trees to the scents and tastes of the menu.
    — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • The live-action reimagining of Disney's beloved animated classic made a big splash at the worldwide box office after its release in late May, bringing in more than $300 million in its opening weekend.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 17 July 2025
  • The Cowboys' biggest splash was trading for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
    — Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Definition of splash
Noun
  • The goal is to continue to build his aura and mystique outside of the weekly WWE television grind.
    — Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
  • People who get migraines with aura—dots or zigzags in vision, or another sensory disturbance that typically occurs before the onset of a migraine—have long been told to avoid birth control that contains estrogen.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 16 July 2025
Definition of aura
Verb
  • The nervous systems of animals that swallowed or inhaled other hydraulic fluids were affected immediately with tremors, diarrhea, sweating, breathing difficulty, and sometimes several weeks later with weakness of the limbs, or paralysis.
    — Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • These poisons can vaporize on hot days and be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or even swallowed by children playing on synthetic fields.
    — Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • So why does life feel costly for many Michiganders?
    — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • His loss is deeply felt across the entire ROTC and Rutgers community.
    — Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 27 July 2025
Definition of feel

Browse Nearby Words

smears
smell
smelled
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Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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