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
Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The demands of California’s agriculture and population growth have had severe consequences for native fish species since the early 20th century, with roughly 80% of previous populations of native salmon, trout, sturgeon and the delta smelt.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2025
Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025
Airflow in walk-in closets is essential for keeping smells moving and preventing odors from building up.
—Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Verb
Bellingham, Vinicius Jr et al could smell blood — and panic.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025
The demands of California’s agriculture and population growth have had severe consequences for native fish species since the early 20th century, with roughly 80% of previous populations of native salmon, trout, sturgeon and the delta smelt.
—Ari Plachta, Sacramento Bee, 25 Jan. 2025
Noun
In fact, of the few studies that have tested how chronic stress shapes the perception of stimuli, most have tested how chronic stress shapes the perception of negative stimuli — things as terrible as pain and unpleasant smells.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025
Airflow in walk-in closets is essential for keeping smells moving and preventing odors from building up.
—Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for smell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smell
Verb
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Think outside the box, or rather, the sarcophagus, and take your crush to the closest museum to sniff the mummies.—
Daniel Cassady,
ARTnews.com,
14 Feb. 2025
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There’s no doubt who’s getting the call when the Eagles sniff the goal line.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Eckstein had already sensed campus hostility toward Israel prior to Oct. 7.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2025
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Leisurely looking at the delightful doodles, smiling at the explosion of color and details, and sensing your excitement rise at the thought of finally opening it up?—
Jason Evangelho,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 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
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But apart from preservation itself, scent was also a major part of mummification.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
14 Feb. 2025
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That training consists of canine psychology, obedience, agility, tracking, scent detection and more, according to the Sheriff’s Office.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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That right there is a nice helping of red meat for fans hoping the Bears make a big splash when the negotiating window for free agents opens March 10.—
Dan Wiederer,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
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Maybe a splash of sherry vinegar or a big squeeze of lemon goes in at the end.—
Emma Laperruque,
Bon Appétit,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Sunglasses on and joint in hand, Scott sauntered out alongside Uso with the aura of a ’90s wrestler — a picture-perfect moment for both stars.—
Carl Lamarre,
Billboard,
12 Feb. 2025
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László has this aura around him and the confidence of a genius and the arrogance of a genius.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Older individuals are more likely to inhale food or liquid into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN,
19 Feb. 2025
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In addition to facing unbearable losses, both had also unknowingly inhaled toxic debris that would spark a series of debilitating illnesses.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Technology advances rapidly, industries seem to shift overnight, and people, especially leaders, feel the pressure to keep up.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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The idea of coming back in a Jennifer Lopez movie felt right.—
Keaton Bell,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smell. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
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