Synonyms for

Smelling

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

Definition

The act of perceiving odors with the nose.

Synonyms & similar words

smack reek smellout sense redolent smell sniffing scenting whiffing perceiving detecting noticing discerning recognizing snuffing olfacting inhaling snifting nosing scouting

Synonyms by register

Formal

olfactory perception detecting odors perceiving scents

Informal

sniffing getting a whiff catching a scent

Literary

scenting breathing in

Antonyms

ignorant unaware oblivious unperceiving unmindful

Common collocations

  • smelling salts
  • smelling something strange
  • smelling smoke
  • smelling trouble
  • smelling flowers
  • smelling of alcohol
  • smelling good

Word family

noun smell
verb smell
adjective smelly
adverb smellily

Usage note

The verb 'smelling' is the present participle of 'smell'. It is often used in continuous tenses to describe the act of perceiving odors. Be mindful of its use in figurative language, such as 'smelling trouble'.

Example sentences

  1. I love the smell of freshly baked bread.
  2. The dog is smelling the ground for any interesting scents.
  3. I can't smell anything because I have a cold.
  4. Can you smell that delicious aroma coming from the kitchen?
  5. The flowers in the garden have a sweet smelling fragrance.

Quotes

  • Perfume is the art that makes memory speak. - Francis Kurkdjian
  • The sweet smell of success is intoxicating. - Sophia Amoruso
  • I smell a rat. - John Heywood

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