stink 1 of 2

noun

Definition of stinknext
1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell the stink of burned plastic lingered in the kitchen for days after we accidentally melted a spatula on the stove

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in objection
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent many town residents raised an unholy stink about the proposal to increase taxes yet again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stink

2 of 2

verb

ˈstiŋk How to pronounce stink (audio)
1
as in to smell
to give off an extremely unpleasant smell the dog stinks because she tangled with a skunk again

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to suck
to be objectionable or unsatisfactory their team really stinks this year

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of stink
Noun
Without a stink, a grimy dishwasher still deserves a deep clean to restore its shine and efficiency. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 No date for an OpenAI IPO has been set, but today’s suit may have put a stink on it, for now. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 1 June 2026
Verb
The Red Sox stink and have already fired their entire coaching staff, while the Royals are somehow worse. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026 Also, more significantly, Trump’s approval ratings — in a word — stink. — Mark Barabak, Mercury News, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stink
  1. stench
  2. objection
  3. smell
  4. suck
  5. exception
  6. reek
  7. complaint
  8. question
Noun
  • The overwhelming stench lingered for weeks, and health officials routinely reminded Kansas Citians that the odor did not carry any disease.
    — Kansas City Public Library staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Lineage officials said that their top priority as of Monday night was addressing the stench permeating over Boyle Heights due to the spoiled food.
    — Austin Turner, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of objection
Verb
  • When choosing a fresh pineapple, look for one that feels heavy and smells lightly sweet near the base.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
  • Mild scurvy caused bleeding gums, tooth loss and foul-smelling breath.
    — Katherine Ott, The Conversation, 2 July 2026
Definition of smell
Verb
  • As whole house fans and swamp coolers can suck additional pollutants inside, the department recommends using air purifiers or air conditioners as alternatives when possible.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Pests Aphids, squash bugs, and spider mites can suck a cucumber plant’s sap and cause the leaves to yellow, brown, or curl.
    — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of suck
Noun
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • While the majority of states have lieutenant governors, there are exceptions.
    — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of exception
Verb
  • But the next three years reeked of alpha decay—the firm’s average yearly gain slumped from eighteen per cent to nine.
    — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
  • Similarly, the 1979 closing of the reeking Koppers coke plant, west of Hamline Avenue along what is now Energy Park Drive, changed some Midway property values.
    — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 14 June 2026
Definition of reek
Noun
  • The air district is still encouraging residents to report odors to its online complaint system or by calling (800) 288-7664.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The dietitian thought there might be a correlation, according to an internal Abbott summary of the complaint shown during Colombo’s deposition.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of complaint
Noun
  • Their absence from the London leg of the trip now raises questions about whether a family reunion will happen during the visit.
    — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
  • The questions Mozeliak asks and answers now are the same ones Kasten did with the Dodgers.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of question

Phrases Containing stink

Browse Nearby Words

stingy
stink
stinkard
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Cite this Entry

“Stink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stink. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stink

Nglish: Translation of stink for Spanish Speakers

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