reek 1 of 2

noun

ˈrēk How to pronounce reek (audio)
Definition of reeknext
1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell a terrible reek coming from the garbage can

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in haze
an atmospheric condition in which suspended particles in the air rob it of its transparency couldn't see through the reek of smog and smoke surrounding the steel plant

Synonyms & Similar Words

reek

2 of 2

verb

as in to smell
to give off an extremely unpleasant smell those old sneakers reek something awful

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of reek
Noun
This isn't to say America doesn't have problems, or that both political parties aren't far too polarized – but this kind of negativity reeks of ignorance and hubris. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Pig fear had the same sour reek as our fear. — Will MacKin, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
Verb
His shirt reeked of the flowery-formaldehyde tartness of mothballs pickling dress pockets in a closet. — Literary Hub, 3 June 2026 The Phillies still trailed, and the move reeked of desperation from Mattingly, who is desperate because his team cannot score runs. — Matt Gelb, New York Times, 31 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for reek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reek
  1. stench
  2. haze
  3. smell
  4. fog
  5. stink
  6. cloud
  7. mist
Noun
  • The Lineage warehouse fire, which erupted a mile away nearly two months ago, still blankets the church every morning with the fetid stench of millions of pounds of rotting food that have yet to be trucked away.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The inescapable stench – equal parts sour and cloying – has settled like a thick haze over the neighborhood, baked by the Southern California heat.
    — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • Forest fires on Sumatra and Borneo islands often break out during dry spells, smothering parts of nearby Singapore and Malaysia in haze.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Built around shimmering guitars and an unexpectedly propulsive rhythmic backbone, the track balances DIIV’s familiar haze with an anthemic immediacy.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of haze
Verb
  • These seats are open to the elements, allowing guests to hear the train whistle loud and clear and smell the heady scent of sugar pines during the ride.
    — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ahead, find our top picks for the best-smelling skincare for men.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • As his mind retreats to the hues of old movies, Charlotte breaks the fog with a glimmer of humanity.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Forecasts show temperatures reaching highs in the 90s throughout the remainder of the week, in addition to isolated thunderstorms, fog and showers.
    — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of fog
Verb
  • Now the skunk is saying somebody else stinks, though the smell does lead to Infantino and this FFE plan.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
  • The stinking body was soon discovered in the hold, and Colt was arrested not long after that.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of stink
Noun
  • Jupiter showed cloud bands and its Great Red Spot could be seen just slipping off the edge, with three of its moons also in the field.
    — Damian Peach, Space.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • El Niño events are a climate cycle characterized by hotter than average ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, which transfer huge amounts of heat to the atmosphere via clouds and heavy precipitation.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of cloud
Noun
  • In an effort to stymie the foul smell, part of the facility is wrapped in plastic sheeting while large fans spray odor-control mist around the warehouse.
    — Celina Tebor, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The bestselling quilt set comes in more than 10 calming colors including glacier blue, mist gray, and pine green.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of mist

Browse Nearby Words

reefs
reek
reeked
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Cite this Entry

“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reek. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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