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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of smell
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
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
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
Verb
-
Most of them haven’t sniffed a national title, either.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
31 July 2025
-
The terminology was familiar to locals when trying to sniff out stray Mancs around football matches and the crowd loved it — although one of them scaled a 260ft floodlight and refused to come down as the anthemic bass from Loose Fit’s opening chords followed.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
With robust growth and tariff inflation still very much in the picture, perhaps stock investors are sensing that Powell will dig his heels in and delay rate cuts even longer than the futures market is currently assuming.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
25 July 2025
-
Sue goes to the kitchen, but quickly senses that someone else is there.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
25 July 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
-
The new scent — which opens with bergamot, ginger and cardamom, has orange blossom at its heart and is grounded with warm woods and patchouli — evokes a full-circle moment for Butler.—
Jackie Fields,
People.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Lemongrass is a grass-like plant with a lemon scent and citrus taste.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Their biggest splash was trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers.—
Kevin McCormick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 July 2025
-
Families love the waterfront splash pad, playground, and great lawn where kids can run around to their heart’s content.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
This season’s cast includes a professional bull rider, event curator, marketing manager, AI consultant, aura painter, attorney and a dungeon master, among others.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Neeson’s surly, simmering kettle-of-violence aura throws things off a bit.—
Michael Phillips,
Chicago Tribune,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
When someone ingests or inhales lead particles, the body confuses them with other minerals, Del Rio said.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
30 July 2025
-
Adding a few drops of essential oil to hot water and inhaling the steam can be beneficial for relieving congestion.—
Ayesha Gulzar,
Verywell Health,
29 July 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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