strong smell

Meanings

1. 1phrasecountable

   A scent or odor that is very noticeable and powerful.

   Grammar: Countable: you can say 'a strong smell' or 'strong smells'. It often takes 'of' to name the source: a strong smell of gas.

   Patterns

   • a strong smell of something
   • a strong smell from something
   • give off a strong smell

   There was a strong smell of coffee coming from the kitchen.

   The flowers have a strong smell that fills the whole room.

   A strong smell from the drain made us open the windows.

2. 2phrasecountable

   A very noticeable bad odor, especially one that is unpleasant.

   Grammar: Often used with 'bad' or 'unpleasant' for clarity: a strong, unpleasant smell. Without those words, context shows whether the smell is good or bad.

   Patterns

   • a strong smell in a place
   • notice a strong smell
   • a strong smell coming from something

   When we opened the fridge, a strong smell hit us.

   There's a strong smell in the bathroom; maybe the drain is blocked.

   The cheese has a strong smell, but it tastes delicious.

Word forms

Common combinations

a strong smell of something

There was a strong smell of smoke in the hallway.

give off a strong smell

These paints give off a strong smell for hours.

a strong smell coming from

A strong smell was coming from the trash bin.

notice a strong smell

Did you notice a strong smell when you walked in?

Synonyms and how they differ

pungent smell

Pungent is more formal and usually suggests a sharp, stinging smell, like vinegar or bleach; strong smell is neutral and more general.

powerful odor

Odor often suggests an unpleasant smell and is more formal; strong smell can be good or bad.

intense aroma

Aroma is usually pleasant, especially of food or drink; strong smell works for both pleasant and unpleasant scents.

Opposites

Word family

smelly adjective

Having a bad smell.

smell noun

The general word for a scent or odor.

smell verb

To notice something with your nose, or to have a particular scent.

Commonly confused: strong smell or strong odor?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “strong smell”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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