odor

noun

ˈō-dər How to pronounce odor (audio)
Definition of odornext
1
as in smell
a special quality or impression associated with something the antique shop, with its collection of strange and curious items, held an odor of mysticism

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in scent
the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose some people find the odor of skunk rather pleasant

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in reputation
overall quality as seen or judged by people in general her movie career has not been in good odor since her latest box office failure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun odor contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of odor are aroma, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

When might aroma be a better fit than odor?

While in some cases nearly identical to odor, aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

When would scent be a good substitute for odor?

The words scent and odor can be used in similar contexts, but scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

In what contexts can smell take the place of odor?

Although the words smell and odor have much in common, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of odor Antiperspirant reduces the amount of sweat produced in the first place, while deodorant can help control odor. — Rachel Hale, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026 The potion’s pungent odor is what prompted a plea for help, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026 The homeowners association received several complaints about the odor. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 As excavations for the foundation got underway, bones and decomposing bodies were found, releasing a horrid odor and spreading yellow fever across the island. — Victoria Davies, Rolling Stone, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for odor
Recent Examples of Synonyms for odor
  1. smell
  2. scent
  3. reputation
  4. aura
  5. aroma
  6. repute
  7. atmosphere
  8. name
Noun
  • The smell of freshly ground espresso and incense fills the air, and staff speak to patients in hushed, discreet tones, almost as if discussing state secrets.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The smell of rubber and oil remains in the air, and the sound of workers changing tires combines with music from a DJ inside the shop’s waiting room.
    — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • They are well documented in insects and other animals, and some pheromones do not have a discernible scent, Scientific American explained.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Nobody loves bug bites, or the scent of being doused in bug spray.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • It is anticipated that the new complex would include a wide range of amenities, further solidifying Palmares' reputation as a destination where golf is just the beginning.
    — Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Angst over Meta’s public reputation likely played a role in the decision to settle so early, experts said.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of reputation
Noun
  • Knowing there was a 75-foot saltwater pool inside added to its otherworldly aura.
    — Bridget Read, Curbed, 1 Sep. 2026
  • On the other, its smoothness and seamlessness generate an aura of spiritual transcendence, something not unaffiliated with the Angeleno ethos.
    — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of aura
Noun
  • Inside, the walls are clad in knotty pine, exuding a subtle, earthy aroma.
    — Brian Cicioni, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This preserves their integrity while maintaining their fresh flavor and aroma.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • And the ecological values of roadless areas are beyond repute.
    — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Petviashvili’s repute has grown steadily since her early debut.
    — The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of repute
Noun
  • One Rassvet satellite from the March launch never made any significant maneuvers and reentered the atmosphere in June.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2026
  • We were immediately drawn to the world of this Tamil-language psychological horror, with its mystery, atmosphere, emotional depth and sustained tension.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • For these brands, lab-grown is in the name, and their styles are more akin to traditional natural diamond brands.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
  • That’s an appealing quality for Hegseth, who wants Parnell for the job, a second administration official said — and his name has been mentioned for a while now, given that Driscoll’s departure by the end of the year was expected.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of name

Browse Nearby Words

odiums
odor
odored
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Cite this Entry

“Odor.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/odor. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on odor

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about odor

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