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Synonyms for

Smell

Verb / smel / Another word for smell — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To perceive or detect the odor or scent of something.

Synonyms & similar words

spirit olfactorysensation reek smellout olfactoryperception flavour odor olfaction smelling smack tone senseofsmell feeling scent aroma olfactoryproperty flavor sense feel odour olfactorymodality look scent odor fragrance aroma whiff stench reek perfume smoke incense sniff inhale detect sense perceive discern recognize identify snuff

Synonyms by register

Formal

odor scent aroma fragrance

Informal

whiff sniff reek stench

Literary

perfume essence redolence

Antonyms

odorlessness lack of scent insipidness blandness neutrality

Common collocations

  • smell nice
  • smell bad
  • smell of smoke
  • smell like roses
  • smell the coffee
  • smell danger

Word family

noun smell
verb smell
adjective smelly
adverb smellily

Usage note

The word 'smell' can refer to both pleasant and unpleasant odors. For pleasant odors, 'fragrance' or 'aroma' are often more formal alternatives. For unpleasant odors, 'stench' or 'reek' are stronger terms.

Compare "smell" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. I love the smell of fresh baked cookies.
  2. Can you smell the flowers?
  3. The garbage has a bad smell.
  4. I can smell the ocean from here.
  5. She has a great sense of smell.

Quotes

  • The sense of smell can be extraordinarily evocative, bringing back pictures as sharp as photographs of scenes that had left the conscious mind.
  • Smell is a potent wizard that transports us across thousands of miles and all the years we have lived.
  • The best way to get a bad smell out of things is to put a good smell in.

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