ODOR Synonyms: 104 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'odor' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma , scent , and smell . While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," 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 might 'aroma' be a better fit than 'odor'?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor , aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor. // the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Q: When would 'scent' be a good substitute for 'odor'?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant. // the scent of lilacs

Q: In what contexts can 'smell' take the place of 'odor'?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character. // an odd smell permeated the room

odor

noun

ˈō-dər

Definition of odor next

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something the antique shop, with its collection of strange and curious items, held an odor of mysticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in scent

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose some people find the odor of skunk rather pleasant

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in reputation

overall quality as seen or judged by people in general her movie career has not been in good odor since her latest box office failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun odor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When might aroma be a better fit than odor?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

When would scent be a good substitute for odor?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

In what contexts can smell take the place of odor?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

Examples 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 odor The majority of your sweat glands don’t provide such a nutritional bounty and therefore don’t give rise to odor. —

Amanda Schupak, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025 But resolving to take a little time each night to check them off your list will prevent messes (and odors!) from becoming overwhelming at the end of the week. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2025 The dispute originated with a recurring issue in the River Valley when strong odors are emitted from a biowaste storage lagoon in the Arkansas River bottom in Crawford County. —

Penny Weaver, arkansasonline.com, 2 Jan. 2025 How To Get Rid Of And Remove Smells From Enameled Cast Iron Additionally, baking soda and warm water can alleviate cooking odors emitted from the cast iron. —

Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for odor

Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor

Noun

With so many comparisons, their head-to-head matchup has an aura of inevitability.

— Oskar Garcia, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
Pisces! January begins with the love planet slipping into your sign, adorning your aura and love life with whimsical charm and a dreamy aesthetic that’s irresistible and alluring, perfect for calling in your soul mate.

— Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025