Synonyms for "smell"
5 kid-friendly synonyms for smell, sorted by grade level (K-2, 3-5, 6-8).
What does "smell" mean?
The word smell is a verb that means: to notice something with your nose.
Example: "I smell pizza!"
Grade K–2Easy synonyms for smell
Younger kids can use these in place of "smell":
Grade 3–5Stronger words for smell
For elementary writers ready to add precision and variety to their vocabulary:
Grade 6–8Middle-school vocabulary for smell
Tier 2 academic alternatives — useful for essays, persuasive writing, and standardized tests:
FAQ — synonyms for smell
What is a good synonym for smell in a kid's writing?
For K-2 writers, try sniff. For older students, "sniff" reads more naturally in school writing.
How many synonyms does smell have?
We list 5 grade-appropriate synonyms for smell across three reading levels. Adults' thesauruses include dozens more, but most aren't useful for K-8 vocabulary.
Is smell a noun, verb, or adjective?
In this entry, smell is used as a verb.
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