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 hint
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of smell
Joseph Hernandez,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
Find out what could be causing your washing machine to smell bad and how to get rid of the odor.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
Mountains towering over 13,000 feet above sea level, 4,000-year-old pine trees, the smell of sagebrush in the desert, and some of the darkest night skies in the country are the rewards for travelers here.
—
Josh Laskin,
Travel + Leisure,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Growing up down the road from this small establishment, Gardner could smell the woodsmoke from her grandparents' house.
—
Joseph Hernandez,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 July 2026
Find out what could be causing your washing machine to smell bad and how to get rid of the odor.
—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 June 2026
Noun
Some work really well, while some smell weird, spoil quickly, and even make my sensitive skin itch.
—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
4 July 2026
Mountains towering over 13,000 feet above sea level, 4,000-year-old pine trees, the smell of sagebrush in the desert, and some of the darkest night skies in the country are the rewards for travelers here.
—
Josh Laskin,
Travel + Leisure,
3 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.
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Luz inserts the construction pole; Susana sniffs.
Verb
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In writing its founding narrative, Crymes speaks to the value of both working within the fraught systems of today and sensing beyond them to more flourishing possibilities for the future.
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These include the Type 91 surface-to-air missile barge, Type 92 underwater sensing vessel, Type 93 autonomous submarine, and Type 94 surface sensing vessel, all of which form part of the UK’s broader Hybrid Navy concept.
Verb
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Federal water managers have already been sucking water out of other reservoirs in Colorado and Wyoming to slow Lake Powell's decline.
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Don’t get sucked into arguments with bosses or supervisors.
Noun
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Salicylates can also give scents a warm, enveloping, skin-like quality.
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Wipe the microwave with a cloth to easily remove grime and leave a fresh lemon scent.
Noun
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Four years later, there’s not a hint of complacency or dejection in France.
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An abundance of hints, clues and other helpful items await, not to mention a bonus Custom Wordle and plenty more.
Noun
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Bubblegum pink nails with strawberry auras are fit for a day at the fair.
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The color palette shifts among black and white, sepia-toned, and some gray-green patina to really nail the foreboding aura.
Verb
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When inhaled, these microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing swelling and inflammation.
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When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Verb
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Its faith that people can rebuild their lives and start over feels almost radical today.
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If that conversation also seems too anxiety-provoking, focus on modes of communication that do feel accessible to you.
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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