stench

noun

ˈstench 

1

: stink

2

: a characteristic repugnant quality

the stench of corruption

stenchful

ˈstench-fəl 

adjective

stenchy

ˈsten-chē 

adjective

Synonyms of stench

• stink
• reek

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

There are also challenges for local businesses, which say customers are staying away because the stench is so sickening. — Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026

Morgues were at capacity, so corpses had been laid in a parking lot, then moved to a seaport, where the stench of death hung heavy. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Despite its sulfuric stench, in a stroke of absolute luck, this meteorite crashed into the right house. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026

In the mornings, our counselors still walk, slowly now, through the stench of bodies decomposing under the ruins of schools, mosques, and homes. — James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026

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

Rhymes for stench

• clench
• drench
• quench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench
• entrench
• retrench
• workbench

Kids Definition

stench

noun

ˈstench 

: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1