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
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Recent Examples of smell
Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Odor repellents, usually sprays, contain ingredients that smell like sulfur to rabbits but are undetectable to humans.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
The locals come there for their delicious burgers and the smell from the grill will hit you upon arrival.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Developed especially for cooks, this luxe soap exfoliates, moisturizes, and even neutralizes garlic and onion smells.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
Odor repellents, usually sprays, contain ingredients that smell like sulfur to rabbits but are undetectable to humans.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
Noun
Customer reviews consistently call this medium-firm mattress out as one of the best memory foam mattresses, specifically citing the minimal off-gassing smell, the perfect amount of cushioning, and its pain-relieving design.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
The locals come there for their delicious burgers and the smell from the grill will hit you upon arrival.
—Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Last year, before his arrest, a video of Jordan allegedly sniffing an unidentified white substance went viral, resulting in social media criticism.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
20 May 2025
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In the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan, Carlos worked with dogs trained to sniff out bombs and improvised explosive devices during one of the most stressful periods of his two decades in the military.—
Daniel Bean,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 May 2025
Verb
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However, as the trial progresses, Merritt can sense the jury losing confidence in her argument.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
29 May 2025
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One important skill to master is how to read the room, to sense what the audience needs more of or less of—and to respond not only with prepared content, but with adaptable presence.—
Thomas Lim,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
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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
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Despite its appearance, the hummingbird’s tongue doesn't suck up nectar like a drinking straw.—
National Geographic,
National Geographic,
13 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
There’s a fragrance-free option, which dries down to have zero scent on the skin.—
Kristin Canning,
Wired News,
21 May 2025
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In language as deft and muscular as Rosa’s team, Drexler captures the scent of the blood and the resin, every wisecrack and sob story, every flake of talc and gob of spit, every pimple and blackhead on the lady wrestlers’ thighs.—
Lauren Elkin,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Noun
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Walls were observed with food splash and debris throughout the kitchen area, especially in hard to reach areas, such as behind and below equipment.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
30 May 2025
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Vulcan’s most high-visibility splash in the pickleball world was their 2024 agreement with the UPA to become the official ball of both the PPA and MLP, a contract reportedly worth more than $2M annually and which instantly created a market for their VPro flight ball.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Noun
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The aura is a hip, wide-open two-floor plan that breaks down traditional barriers, is inclusive and invites collaboration.—
Justin Kroll,
Deadline,
21 May 2025
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Despite this, there is one thing that Hogan did unbelievably well that many WWE Superstars have trouble matching to this day: his aura and presentation.—
Jeremy Hanna,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 May 2025
Verb
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When aerosols such as sea spray or smoke are inhaled, the fine particles can reach deep into the body, entering the bloodstream and even the brain when the particles are small enough.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 May 2025
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When using bleach, try not to inhale any of the fumes and open windows when possible.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
Verb
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This series feels a lot more important than a late-May series should feel.—
David O'Brien,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
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With a wide variety of dining options, from international cuisines to specialty restaurants, every meal feels like an adventure in itself.—
Noel Burgess,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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