1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell
a terrible reek coming from the garbage can
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
It reeks of anti-Blackness, the idea that Ciara—a nurse, a model, a catch in all respects of the word—could be seen as just an experience to these men.
—Erica Campbell, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2026
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Following the opening verse with the characterization of his lady’s eyes, Shakespeare proceeded to give a rundown of her other features in less than flattering terms, including her lips (pale), hair (wiry), voice (grating) and breath (reeking).
—David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reek
Noun
Desperate or not, what the show does reek of is money (apparently about $25 million).
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2026
It reeks of anti-Blackness, the idea that Ciara—a nurse, a model, a catch in all respects of the word—could be seen as just an experience to these men.
—Erica Campbell, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
And the smell is soft and pleasant, instead of reeking of alcohol.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Following the opening verse with the characterization of his lady’s eyes, Shakespeare proceeded to give a rundown of her other features in less than flattering terms, including her lips (pale), hair (wiry), voice (grating) and breath (reeking).
—David McGrath, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for reek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reek
Noun
-
The problem has only grown in that time, which neighbors say has caused a rat problem and a putrid stench.—
Tara Lynch,
CBS News,
3 June 2026
-
Trudy claimed to Oregon Live that on at least one occasion, a friend could even detect the stench coming off of their clothes.—
Latoya Gayle,
PEOPLE,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Dabbing the cloth in rubbing alcohol, working away the dirty blots on the glass, waiting for the haze in my head to focus, and a new line to come to me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
-
There’s also a slight haze effect across the image as the front camera struggles to handle the overhead fluorescent lighting.—
Kimberly Gedeon,
PC Magazine,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
The village boutiques scattered along the sloping cobblestone alleys are just a five-minute stroll away, and offer the standard unremarkable Provence souvenirs—traditional fabrics, yellow pottery, straw bags, and sweet-smelling soaps.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
4 June 2026
-
Panish replayed for jurors testimony from Grossman’s daughter that, soon after the collision, Erickson arrived at the house smelling of alcohol.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Olney says more than half the growers Ridge buys zinfandel grapes from have names ending in ‘i,’ including Pagani, which is in a little bowl south of Kenwood where the fog comes in.—
Laura Ness,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
-
There is snow on the mountains, dense fog that blankets crops in the fall, giving life to wine-country grapes, fires in the dry season and the occasional earthquake.—
Zinzi Clemmons,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
With another championship in reach, the timing of MacFarland’s exit stinks.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
7 June 2026
-
And the reality stinks for Cleveland right now.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
By Tuesday morning, crews reported the blaze was 20% contained after cooler weather and clouds gave crews the upper hand in fighting the flames.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
The expectant father, who shot a makeshift target that exploded into a blue cloud, igniting the surrounding brush, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor violation of US Forest Service regulations and was ordered to pay restitution for the damages.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Bring your own mason jar or purchase one onsite ($5) to collect dozens of different types of blooms from zinnias, dahlias and sunflowers to green mist, bells of Ireland and other types of foliage.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
3 June 2026
-
Most are soft; some are veiled by haze or sea mist, and others employ blur to picturesque ends.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reek. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
