smell crossword clue 5 letters – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "smell crossword clue 5 letters" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SCENT: A distinctive, typically pleasant, natural smell.
AROMA: A pleasant, distinctive smell. Often used for food or spices.
WHIFF: A quick, light smell, often brief or faint.
More About "smell crossword clue 5 letters"
The concept of 'smell' is a staple in crossword puzzles due to its rich array of synonyms and related terms. Crossword setters often play on the nuances of 'smell' – whether it's pleasant, foul, strong, faint, or even the act of smelling itself. When a clue specifies "smell" and a 5-letter answer, your options become significantly narrowed, typically revolving around words like SCENT, AROMA, or WHIFF.
Understanding the subtle differences between these words is key. 'SCENT' often implies a more general, perhaps natural, smell, while 'AROMA' almost exclusively refers to a pleasant and usually strong smell, particularly from food or flowers. 'WHIFF,' on the other hand, suggests a brief, light, or faint smell. Paying close attention to any additional descriptors in the clue will help you pinpoint the exact answer needed.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "smell," consider if the setter implies a pleasant, unpleasant, or general sense. Words like 'fragrance,' 'stench,' or 'odor' might be clues for other lengths, but for 5 letters, 'AROMA' and 'SCENT' are prime candidates for pleasant smells, and 'WHIFF' for a light one.
- Confirm with Intersecting Letters: Always use letters you've filled in from intersecting words. Even one or two letters can confirm which 5-letter 'smell' word fits your grid (e.g., if you have 'S_E_T', SCENT is a strong possibility).
- Think Beyond the Noun: While 'smell' often refers to the noun, remember it can also be a verb (e.g., "to detect with the nose"). However, for a direct clue like this, the common 5-letter nouns are usually the target.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many answers for "smell" in crosswords?
‘Smell’ is a broad concept with many synonyms, from pleasant ‘aromas’ and ‘scents’ to less pleasant ‘odors’ and ‘stinks’. Crossword setters exploit this linguistic richness to create varied clues.
How do I know which 5-letter "smell" word is correct?
The specific wording of the clue often provides hints. For example, “pleasant smell” might point to AROMA or SCENT, while “faint smell” suggests WHIFF. Intersecting letters from other clues are also crucial for confirmation.
Can "smell" also refer to an action in a crossword?
Yes, ‘smell’ can be clued as a verb (e.g., “to detect with the nose”). In such cases, 5-letter answers like SNIFF or NOSED (as in “nosed out a clue”) might be possibilities, depending on the exact clue. However, for “smell clue 5 letters” as a noun, the answers are typically SCENT, AROMA, WHIFF.