stench

noun

ˈstench How to pronounce stench (audio)
Synonyms of stench
1
: stink
2
: a characteristic repugnant quality
the stench of corruption
stenchful
ˈstench-fəl How to pronounce stench (audio)
adjective
stenchy
ˈsten-chē How to pronounce stench (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of stench

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Examples of stench in a Sentence

the stench of rotting meat we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If breathing hadn’t been so hard, someone would have fainted from the stench of the farmers’ perspiration. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 The air purifier's Odor Neutralizer technology even removes smelly stenches and replaces them with a refreshing scent. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 So much grab-and-go sushi has an instantly recognizable stench. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 In the weeks after, more than 85 million pounds of rotting food being kept at the cold storage facility began to rot, leaving a putrid stench lingering over the area that led to infestations of rats, flies and other rodents. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stench

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stenc; akin to Old English stincan to emit a smell — more at stink

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stench was before the 12th century

Rhymes for stench

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Browse Nearby Words

Stenanthium
stench
stench bomb
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Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stench

noun
ˈstench How to pronounce stench (audio)
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1
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