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

Fast forward to this summer, when the Lineage food storage warehouse fire occurred in Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino community that then was forced to endure weeks of rat infestation and the stench of rotting food while cleanup took place. — Linh Tat, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

Some decisions do not require any time for their stench to emerge. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026

The women in town ridicule her for her fish stench, which is also the smell of being unchosen. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026

The single greatest asset that A24 has is the power of its brand to bring younger audiences to theaters and TV platforms without the stench of corporate greed. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 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