ODOR Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'odor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma , scent , and smell . While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell . // a cheese with a strong odor

Q: When might 'aroma' be a better fit than 'odor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor , aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor. // the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Q: When would 'scent' be a good substitute for 'odor'?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant. // the scent of lilacs

Q: In what contexts can 'smell' take the place of 'odor'?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character. // an odd smell permeated the room

odor

noun

ˈō-dər

Definition of odor next

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something the antique shop, with its collection of strange and curious items, held an odor of mysticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in scent

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose some people find the odor of skunk rather pleasant

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general her movie career has not been in good odor since her latest box office failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun odor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When might aroma be a better fit than odor?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

When would scent be a good substitute for odor?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

In what contexts can smell take the place of odor?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

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 odor Police also reported smelling a strong odor of bleach and found a mop, as well as what appeared to be blood near the bottom of the bed and a dresser, according to the release. —

Nicole Acosta, People.com, 17 Jan. 2025 If the smell still lingers after your deep cleaning, Miller suggested putting out bowls of baking soda or sachets of charcoal to absorb the odor. —

Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025 Reviewers love that the fabric is breathable and quick-drying and doesn’t hold on to odors after washing—something not all workout tops can claim. —

Dana Leigh Smith, Glamour, 16 Jan. 2025 Thailand’s vibrant capital offers a sensory overload of bright colors, pungent odors, eye-popping structures and streets teeming with cars, tuk-tuks and food vendors. —

Isabelle Kliger, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for odor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor

Noun

Only one gift has six legs and an irresistible aura of romance.

— Colson Thayer, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
An aura is an electromagnetic field that surrounds the physical body.

— Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2025