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

Blooms last just 24 to 48 hours, with the plant releasing a stench likened to rotten eggs, gym socks and decaying flesh. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Thanks to Trump’s phone call, the tournament is tainted with a certain stench. — Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

The overwhelming stench lingered for weeks, and health officials routinely reminded Kansas Citians that the odor did not carry any disease. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

Lineage officials said that their top priority as of Monday night was addressing the stench permeating over Boyle Heights due to the spoiled food. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 29 June 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