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 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

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
Simply bring your baby's play mat or blanket outdoors, remain quiet, and allow your child to observe sights, sounds, and smells. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 9 Feb. 2026 Letting mildew or stains set: Don't wait too long to wash a bath mat that is stained or smells bad or your risk permanently damaging its fibers and color. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
Skunks have very poor eyesight but a strong sense of smell. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Feb. 2026 It was ultimately towed and taken to an impound lot, where authorities were called to investigate a foul smell coming from the car. —Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
  1. sniff
  2. sense
  3. suck
  4. scent
  5. hint
  6. aura
  7. inhale
  8. feel
Verb
  • Photos show the stacks of cash were well disguised among other boxes in the trailer, but a drug-sniffing K-9 was not fooled, police said.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Security measures include comprehensive surveillance, bomb-sniffing dogs, and aerial radiation surveys.
    — Terry Collins, USA Today, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of sniff
Verb
  • By embedding this sensing capability directly into a robot’s skin, this new system allows machines to respond locally and instantly to physical threats.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Horses brought the firefighting apparatus and a big steed, aptly named Goliath, sensed the danger and ran out of the way, not before being injured.
    — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of sense
Verb
  • There are countless benefits to owning a well-functioning vacuum cleaner—picking up debris and sucking up allergens are just the beginning.
    — Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • The vampire sucking millions of dollars out of the pockets of California every day is back in the news.
    — Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of suck
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
  • There are some hints that weighted blankets can help with anxiety, chronic pain and sleep.
    — Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • At song’s end, the camera moved over to big-screen photos of the late Charlie Kirk and his widow, Erika Kirk, who is now in charge of TPUSA, followed by a fade to darkness and closing credit that still did not offer many hints where the performance was taking place.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of hint
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
Verb
  • They can also be inhaled — particularly when heated during styling — and absorbed through a person’s hands.
    — Claretta Bellamy, NBC news, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Your daughter breathes that same air, inhaling the virus directly into her respiratory tract.
    — Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of inhale
Verb
  • Summertime night tours have recently been introduced, which aim to help visitors imagine how the city once felt after sunset.
    — Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
  • The 30-second Super Bowl version manages to capture most of the ridiculousness of the lengthier, two-and-a-half-minute version directed by Spike Jonze, which feels as silly and committed as any of your favorite Stiller comedy moments.
    — Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of feel

Browse Nearby Words

smears
smell
smelled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on smell

Nglish: Translation of smell for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about smell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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