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

Schiavo said the stench near Chiquita Canyon has gotten worse in recent days as workers try to stabilize the hillside. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

The stench, a byproduct of papermaking, eased years ago with the installation of air-scrubbing equipment and went away completely in September when International Paper closed the mill after 90 years of operation. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

The June fire has left residents concerned about their health and living with a foul stench. — Paris Barraza, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Hafley and Sullivan arrive from Green Bay to fumigate the place, remove the stench and decay. — Greg Cote july 27, Miami Herald, 27 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