smells
Seems fishy, perhaps
Smells is the third-person singular of smell, used when someone detects an odor or has one: The kitchen smells like garlic, She smells trouble.
As a plural noun, smells are odors themselves, often unpleasant: Strange smells came from the basement.
The word leans negative—good smells are usually called scents or aromas.
Powerfully offensive odor
- reekEmit strong odor
- stinkOffensive smell
- odorPerceived atmospheric emission
- foulnessOffensive, corrupt quality
fetor · malodor · putrid · fetid · rank · rotten · sulfurous · noxious
Pleasant distinctive smell
- fragrancePleasing olfactory quality
- bouquetArranged cluster of blooms
- perfumeFragrant liquid for wearing
- scentAirborne odor detected
essence · redolence · sweetness · floral · vanilla · cinnamon · lavender · jasmine
Sense of scent detection
- olfactoryOf the sense detecting odors
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
- anosmiaTotal olfactory loss
pheromones · chemosensory · trigeminal · nasal · epithelium · volatile · molecules · threshold
Preparing food with heat
- bakingCooking with dry heat
- spicesAromatic food flavorings
- garlicPungent culinary bulb
- onionPungent layered bulb
roasting · grilling · sautéing · simmering · bread · coffee · bacon · curry
Longing for the past
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- evocativeTending to summon memories
- ProustFrench novelist of memory
- madeleineShell-molded French sponge
childhood · recognition · association · flashback · familiar · comforting · homecoming · grandmother
stench
Powerfully offensive odor
foulness · fetor · malodor · putrid · fetid · rank · rotten · sulfurous · noxious · pungent
aroma
Pleasant distinctive smell
- fragrancePleasing olfactory quality
- bouquetArranged cluster of blooms
- perfumeFragrant liquid for wearing
scent · essence · redolence · sweetness · floral · vanilla · cinnamon · lavender · jasmine · sandalwood
sniff
Brief nasal inhalation
waft · detect · trace · hint · catch · faint · strong · linger · permeate · emanate
olfaction
Sense of scent detection
- olfactoryOf the sense detecting odors
- receptorsProteins binding specific molecules
- neuronsSignal-transmitting brain cells
anosmia · pheromones · chemosensory · trigeminal · nasal · epithelium · volatile · molecules · threshold · sensitivity
cooking
Preparing food with heat
onion · roasting · grilling · sautéing · simmering · bread · coffee · bacon · curry · kimchi
nostalgia
Longing for the past
- reminiscenceRecalling past experiences
- evocativeTending to summon memories
- ProustFrench novelist of memory
madeleine · childhood · recognition · association · flashback · familiar · comforting · homecoming · grandmother · baking
clean
Free of soil
ozone · pine · linen · soap · laundry · morning · mint · cucumber · mountain · meadow
- bad smellUnpleasant olfactory sensation
- smell a ratBecome suspicious of deceit
- smells fishyAppears deceitful or questionable
- new-car smellDistinctive odor of recent purchase
- new car smellAroma of unused vehicles
- come out smelling of rosesEmerge favorably from difficulty