odor

noun

ˈō-dər How to pronounce odor (audio)
Definition of odornext
1
as in smell
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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2
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
3
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 After charging at her, the man used what appeared to be a syringe to spray an unknown liquid substance with a strong odor at the Congresswoman. —Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The blanket covers the fireplace, preventing drafts (and odors and debris) from entering your space. —Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026 Strange odors:Unusual smells from faucets or drains may suggest a blockage due to freezing. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 27 Jan. 2026 Fire chief John Esposito said firefighters were investigating reports of a gas odor on the 15th and 16th floors when the explosion occurred. —Dave Collins, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
  1. smell
  2. scent
  3. reputation
  4. aura
  5. aroma
  6. repute
  7. atmosphere
  8. name
Noun
  • The smell of methanol racing fuel and the buzz of anticipation filled Lucas Oil Stadium as a procession of monster trucks rumbled into position for Monster Jam’s two-show weekend on January 31 and February 1.
    — Travis LaCoss, IndyStar, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Great for pet smells and musty spots.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The one thing worth noting, however, is that the lotion has medicinal-like scent.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 8 Feb. 2026
  • But flowers also evoke our senses, especially when captured in scent.
    — Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • In 2020, Hubbard sued several student activists for defamation, accusing them of damaging his academic reputation and mental wellbeing in their campaign for his removal from campus.
    — Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The Basque Country's culinary reputation means places like San Sebastián filled early, but nearby alternatives like Vitoria still have scattered availability.
    — Ryan Craggs, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • That aura of 20th-century glamour was immortalized by Slim Aarons.
    — Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But what about the romantic aura?
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Alongside the artifacts that inspired this project, the team recreated the aromas of mummification in ancient Egypt.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The buns get their faint green color and grassy, coconut-leaning aroma from the addition of pandan.
    — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • So others speculate and then the Heat somehow are the ones who get caught in the spin cycle of various insiders of various repute trying to sell Substack subscriptions or generate clicks or views.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Two other veteran Dutch managers of significant repute had been in the reckoning, one of them a former boss of Manchester United.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 19 Nov. 2025
Definition of repute
Noun
  • Arquiste’s best-selling Nanban, for instance, conjures the aroma of a 17th-century galleon laden with coffee, leather, and saffron, while L’Or de Louis evokes the atmosphere of an orangerie at Versailles.
    — April Long, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Historically, it's been thought these volcanic arcs were the primary culprits of injecting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
    — Ben Mather, Space.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The department has made public millions of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act but has withheld millions more that officials contend would reveal the names of people who accused Epstein of abuse or cover the department's legal analysis of the case.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The speech and debate clause, under Article 1, Section 6, of the Constitution, gives these members immunity from liability for defamation when reading the list of names aloud in court.
    — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of name

Browse Nearby Words

odiums
odor
odored
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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on odor

Nglish: Translation of odor for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about odor

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