SMELL Synonyms: 267 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

smell 1 of 2

verb

ˈsmel

Definition of smell

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

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of I smell something fishy about this situation

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

rule
rock

smell

2 of 2

noun

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

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

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

There’s absolutely no need to spend a lot to smell expensive. — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 28 June 2026 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

Noun

Allicin contains sulfur, which is responsible for the potent taste and smell of garlic. — Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 4 July 2026 Kausen, a chef and cooking teacher in Irvine, California, is more discerning and often uses her sense of smell before deciding what to do with the milk. — Olga R. Rodriguez, Fortune, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for smell

Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell

Verb

This could include sniffing around more than usual or barking and growling at odd places like piles of leaves.

— Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 3 July 2026
Luz inserts the construction pole; Susana sniffs.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Definition of sniff

Verb

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.

— Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
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.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026

Definition of sense

Verb

As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.

— Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Pests Aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites can suck a cucumber plant’s sap and cause the leaves to yellow, brown, or curl.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Definition of suck

Noun

Also known as fragrance stacking, layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of scent

Verb

When inhaled, these microscopic particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, potentially causing swelling and inflammation.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
When wildfire smoke is inhaled, volatile gases and tiny particles can pass through the lining of the lungs and enter the bloodstream.

— Alicia Victoria Lozano, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Definition of inhale

Browse Nearby Words

smears

smell

smelled

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to smell

Cite this Entry

Style

“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of smell

verb

noun

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

What's that Smell?! Quiz

To Be or Not To Be: A Look at Other...

What's that smell? Obscure Words for...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on smell

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes