1
2
as in senses
to have a vague awareness of
I smell something fishy about this situation
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in scents
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 splashes
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 auras
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 smells
Heather Bien, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
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
Visiting a museum could soon be a truly multisensory experience—smells included.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Can’t Get Enough by Initio smells like boozy roses, pink pepper, and warm caramel.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
Light it before your guests arrive, and everyone will be gushing over how delicious your home smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026
What's more, she's now embedded in a family of vampires who keep emphasizing how good her blood smells.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends getting dogs used to the new sounds, smells, and interruptions that come with a newborn in the months before, and associating these things with treats and rewards.
—Rachael O'Connor, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
People described different smells in different areas — from Bloomingdale to Roselle to Addison and Wood Dale, even to Buffalo Grove and the Wisconsin border.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
This Mumi Travel Laundry Bag is made of moisture-proof and odor-resistant material that locks in funky smells, preventing the rest of your clothing from getting stinky.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Great for pet smells and musty spots.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Aptly named, The Wedding Silk Santal smells of sparkling champagne, pink praline, and the juiciest nectarines.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Each unit’s weekly cleaning regimen includes completely emptying the waste with the vacuum truck’s suction wand, adding deodorizer that breaks down future waste and mitigates bad smells, scrubbing and disinfecting every surface inside the unit, and restocking paper goods.
—Tom Huddleston Jr.
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
These are the areas where, as Solodko explains, perishables interact, and smells can happen.
—Heather Bien, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026
Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.
—Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 11 Feb. 2026
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
Visiting a museum could soon be a truly multisensory experience—smells included.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 Feb. 2026
Can’t Get Enough by Initio smells like boozy roses, pink pepper, and warm caramel.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 5 Feb. 2026
Light it before your guests arrive, and everyone will be gushing over how delicious your home smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026
What's more, she's now embedded in a family of vampires who keep emphasizing how good her blood smells.
—Lincee Ray, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Feb. 2026
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends getting dogs used to the new sounds, smells, and interruptions that come with a newborn in the months before, and associating these things with treats and rewards.
—Rachael O'Connor, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
To get rid of those smells, check for leaks and make repairs.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 10 Feb. 2026
People described different smells in different areas — from Bloomingdale to Roselle to Addison and Wood Dale, even to Buffalo Grove and the Wisconsin border.
—Asal Rezaei, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
This Mumi Travel Laundry Bag is made of moisture-proof and odor-resistant material that locks in funky smells, preventing the rest of your clothing from getting stinky.
—Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
Great for pet smells and musty spots.
—Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 5 Feb. 2026
Aptly named, The Wedding Silk Santal smells of sparkling champagne, pink praline, and the juiciest nectarines.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 Feb. 2026
Each unit’s weekly cleaning regimen includes completely emptying the waste with the vacuum truck’s suction wand, adding deodorizer that breaks down future waste and mitigates bad smells, scrubbing and disinfecting every surface inside the unit, and restocking paper goods.
—Tom Huddleston Jr.
mickey Todiwala, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smells
Verb
-
In the video, Chilli sniffs large bricks to locate the scent a trainer shared with him.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Tovar is the one officer who immediately sniffs out that there’s something weird about Gacy, and Luna incrementally nudges the character further and further into obsession.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
While this moment might offer a commentary on the weird plenty of the marketplace, Anna senses her father is lost an increasing haze and intervenes.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That’s because fans are designed to remove moisture quickly, which can often create negative pressure that sucks warm air out of the room faster than the central HVAC can replace it, especially in winter.—
Asia London Palomba,
The Spruce,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Pentagon threatens Scouting America over DEI 'The system sucks.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Small details like candles, flowers, and subtle scents can instantly elevate the mood and set the perfect tone.—
Kate Donovan,
Martha Stewart,
5 Feb. 2026
-
The team then developed two ways to present ancient scents to the public.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The stone mat wraps around the faucet and acts as a splash guard, absorbing splashes and spills around the area.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The look incorporates Jackson Pollock-esque splashes of orange and royal blue, a departure from last season’s navy-and-white color palette.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The film follows a quiet inmate arriving at a violent Indonesian prison with a supernatural entity that kills those with the darkest auras.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Jan. 2026
-
This airbrush design on a long square nail comprises a mix of French-tip auras, clear blobs, and 3D florals for a fun and funky design.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Well, that feels like a great place to leave it.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Order Nanee’s polenta cakes with a hearty sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy; a seasonal gnocchi, currently with acorn squash and local mushrooms; or osso buco, perfect to share.—
USA TODAY NETWORK,
USA Today,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
French oak is commonly used to mature Cognac and wine, but it is also used to finish American whiskey to bring particular aromas and notes of baking spice to the palate.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The judges tasted and inspected each one, breathing in the aromas and examining the laminate on the exteriors, while attendees watched from behind the glass-panel walls in Rebel Bread’s new bakery.—
Miguel Otárola,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smells. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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