Synonyms for

Smelled

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

Definition

To perceive the odor or scent of something through one's nose.

Synonyms & similar words

smack reek smellout sense smell sniffed scented whiffed nosed perceived detected inhaled experienced noticed snuffed smelt

Synonyms by register

Formal

perceived detected discerned

Informal

sniffed got a whiff of caught a scent of

Literary

scented olfacted

Antonyms

unscented odorless fragranceless neutral

Common collocations

  • smelled bad
  • smelled good
  • smelled like smoke
  • smelled of roses
  • smelled faintly
  • smelled strongly

Word family

noun smell
verb smell
adjective smelly
adverb smelly

Usage note

The past tense and past participle of 'smell' can be 'smelled' or 'smelt'. 'Smelled' is more common in American English, while 'smelt' is more common in British English, especially when referring to the act of smelling something.

Example sentences

  1. I smelled the cookies baking in the oven.
  2. He smelled the flowers in the park.
  3. She smelled the perfume on her shirt.
  4. The dog smelled the bone hidden in the grass.
  5. We smelled the smoke from the fire.

Quotes

  • I smelled the sea and the salt and the seaweed that always smells sweetest in the morning, where the tide has been. - Ursula K. Le Guin
  • I smelled the spring on the morning air and I thought I'd live forever. - Jack Kerouac
  • I smelled the air and wondered how many others had smelled the same things. - Ray Bradbury

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