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
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of smells
Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Our Stainless Steel Step Garbage Bin stays so much cleaner than a regular garbage bin; the stainless steel lid locks odors inside, so your trash never smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Seafood contaminated with norovirus looks, smells, and tastes normal, the FDA said.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Only one cardinal survived—smells like a snitch—and Urban was apparently disappointed by how little the other captive cardinals had screamed.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
After two days, bacteria can multiply to levels capable of making someone ill, even if the meat looks and smells fine.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
When the seaweed rots, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted, which smells like rotten eggs.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
This smells like taking a bite of the ripest, juiciest fruits (cue the blend of mango and blackberry, seasoned with a hit of black pepper) for mouthwatering results.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Avoid salmon that looks dull, smells strong, feels mushy, or shows gaps in the flesh.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
These dishes will fill your kitchen with fun sounds and mouthwatering smells.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Inside Akal Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop on Wyoming’s high plains, the smells of sizzling garlic and earthy curry powder permeate the air.
—David Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Triggers can be smells, sounds, places, postures or tones of voice.
—Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Clean Outdoor Food Areas After Every Use Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
This helps absorb lingering smells.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
This entire episode just smells rotten.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Our Stainless Steel Step Garbage Bin stays so much cleaner than a regular garbage bin; the stainless steel lid locks odors inside, so your trash never smells.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2026
Seafood contaminated with norovirus looks, smells, and tastes normal, the FDA said.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Only one cardinal survived—smells like a snitch—and Urban was apparently disappointed by how little the other captive cardinals had screamed.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
After two days, bacteria can multiply to levels capable of making someone ill, even if the meat looks and smells fine.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
When the seaweed rots, hydrogen sulfide gas is emitted, which smells like rotten eggs.
—Doyle Rice, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
This smells like taking a bite of the ripest, juiciest fruits (cue the blend of mango and blackberry, seasoned with a hit of black pepper) for mouthwatering results.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Avoid salmon that looks dull, smells strong, feels mushy, or shows gaps in the flesh.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
In fact, there are a wide variety of strong smells, including garlic and many essential oils, that may also repel ants in your home.
—Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026
These dishes will fill your kitchen with fun sounds and mouthwatering smells.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Inside Akal Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop on Wyoming’s high plains, the smells of sizzling garlic and earthy curry powder permeate the air.
—David Williams, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Triggers can be smells, sounds, places, postures or tones of voice.
—Dr. Andrew Garner, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 2026
Once any chemical smells are gone, a lightly scented candle or diffuser adds a nice touch without being too overpowering.
—Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026
Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026
Clean Outdoor Food Areas After Every Use Sugary residue and meat smells are major wasp attractants.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Apr. 2026
This helps absorb lingering smells.
—Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 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
-
The team also found genetic differences between cancers that were able to spread in the heart and those that were not, and identified a protein that senses mechanical forces and reduces the activity of genes linked to proliferation in cancer cells.—
Anil Oza,
STAT,
23 Apr. 2026
-
This can happen due to a draft, a dirty pilot opening, or issues with the thermocouple (a small device that senses the pilot flame and controls the gas valve).—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In Episode 2, Cassie dresses like a baby and sucks on a pacifier, which caused quite a stir online.—
Allison DeGrushe,
StyleCaster,
21 Apr. 2026
-
And the press just sucks it up like a Hoover Deluxe.—
Natalia Mittelstadt,
Baltimore Sun,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Using scents like green apple or berries will fill your home with a great aroma without compromising on any cleaning.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Surround yourself with the colors and scents of the tropical plants, plus learn about the secrets of the local awapuhi plant from the florists themselves.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some splashes of color help enliven it too.—
Adam Williams
April 23,
New Atlas,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Naturally, the color palette revolves around a joyful, beachy vibe—all designed in shades of pink, citrus, and red, with splashes of leopard prints and snake textures.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The tortoiseshell palette is deconstructed in this look, which features a blend of full torties, chocolate brown tips, and barley there caramel auras.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
13 Apr. 2026
-
These characters have been somewhat thinly drawn despite the vibrant auras of Joy Sunday and Richard Jenkins since the beginning.—
Andy Andersen,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On his call with local media after being selected, Raridon said his knee feels good.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
-
This feels like a draft in which DeCosta will focus on the trenches with a need to come away with starters, plus depth, on both the offensive and defensive lines.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The season brings natural aromas like florals and herbs that signal a new beginning.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
-
These pioneering chemists from IQUEMA also spearheaded other astonishing, detailed archaeological initiatives that determined the compositions of old wine and aromas of the Roman Empire and of the mortars used in the Domus of Salvius, in the present case.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Smells.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smells. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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