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.
After the smoke subsided, residents reported feeling effects from the stench of rotting meat and food from the warehouse interior, where it had been stored frozen on tall racks that were hundreds of feet across. — Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Cleanup efforts, meanwhile, were continuing at the Lineage Logistics food-storage warehouse following the massive June 17 fire, with the stench of rotting food and pest problems disrupting the surrounding neighborhood, according to reports. — City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 Los Angeles residents of Boyle Heights are still living with the aftermath of a massive June 17 warehouse fire, as the stench of rotting food and ongoing pest problems continue to disrupt the neighborhood, according to reports. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Both characters are deeply acquainted with the stench of failure. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 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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