stench

noun

Synonyms of stenchnext
1
: stink
2
: a characteristic repugnant quality
the stench of corruption
stenchful adjective
stenchy adjective

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.
Trump, the face of Satan with his hypocrite MAGA demons, engulfed in Epstein stench. Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 From the outset, this was never championship or bust, but rather more a year to cleanse the stench of last season’s playoff-opening rout at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the most lopsided series loss in NBA postseason history. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 In the blasting afternoon sun, the stench of fermenting earth and decay steams off the marsh. Literary Hub, 10 Apr. 2026 No matter how any individual race plays out, the stench clings to much of the team. Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

stench

noun
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1

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