Synonyms for

Stink

Verb / stɪŋk / Another word for stink — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to emit a strong unpleasant smell

Synonyms & similar words

malodor reek stench foetor mephitis fetor malodour smell reek stench odor fragrance whiff funk stenchiness malodor stenchful stenchy scent aroma perfume redolence reekiness noxiousness pungency

Synonyms by register

Formal

malodor fetor stench

Informal

reek smell pong whiff

Literary

effluvium miasma

Antonyms

fragrance perfume aroma whiff scent odorless

Common collocations

  • stink eye
  • stink bomb
  • stink up the place
  • stink of desperation
  • stink of failure
  • stink of decay

Word family

noun stink
verb stink
adjective stinky

Usage note

While 'stink' can be used formally to describe a very bad smell, it is often considered informal or vulgar. 'Stinky' is the common informal adjective.

Example sentences

  1. This cheese stinks.
  2. The rotten eggs stink.
  3. The skunk sprayed and now everything stinks.
  4. The trash needs to be taken out because it's starting to stink.
  5. I can smell the stink from the sewer.

Quotes

  • A rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but a skunk would stink no matter what you call it.
  • I don't trust anyone who doesn't have a visceral reaction to the stink in a public restroom.
  • Sometimes life stinks, but that doesn't mean you have to.

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