reeks 1 of 2

Definition of reeksnext
plural of reek
as in hazes
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

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reeks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of reek
as in stinks
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 reeks
Noun
In that respect, Wolfram is a masterful merger of merger of serious social comment and taut, thrilling action, a film where base human cruelty is always somewhere on the horizon, a film that simply reeks of death and decay (there are more flies than Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia). Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 Feb. 2026 The entire episode reeks of everlasting ineptitude. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026 This policy reeks of racial bias. Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026 Withholding their reunion reeks of the kind of water-treading felt throughout the first five episodes, but Cooper’s search for his family is a series-long arc, not a seasonal one. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Feb. 2026 Those of us invited to lead trainings, speak in front of groups, or write pieces like this one need to stay humble, to resist anything that reeks of protest-as-usual, soothing political egos, ideology, or false guarantees. Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026 The meme coin reeks of a scam called a rug pull, in which followers are baited into buying the coin to boost its value, before the founder sells all their assets at a higher price. Frank Landymore, Futurism, 28 Jan. 2026 This one-year penance business reeks of score-settling, petty grudges and arm-twisting. Steve Buckley, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026 The adventurous actress dirties up her frock and face to play the village pariah, who reeks of fish and would be no man’s idea of a suitable wife, except perhaps the one-eyed bum who sleeps in the town square. Peter Debruge, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reeks
Noun
  • Through hushed hazes of strings emerge gentle pulsings and flourishes of winds.
    Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • Along the way, blazes of pyrotechnics, flashes of light and hazes of smoke heightened the set’s intensity.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In parts of Arizona, stinknet (Oncosiphon piluliferum) really stinks.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The problem for New Orleans is that, despite Zion playing in all of these games, the team still stinks.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Barresi and Cuellar hold each other up with palpable tenderness, each one crafting a long, poignant arc from innocence through the fogs and thorns of experience.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 21 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dishes like Indian street corn, pumpkin chana masala, and spicy seafood soup drive home the restaurant’s emphasis on spices and herbs, and an open-air setting allows diners to bask in the sounds and smells of the surrounding rainforest.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Common Causes of Washing Machine Odor Lingering odors and smells can come from a few different sources, our experts say.
    Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has captured a truly spectacular view of the spiral galaxy NGC 5134, revealing glowing dust clouds, newborn stars and the ongoing cycle of stellar life and death.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Saturday will be cooler, with lingering clouds.
    Joseph Dames, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026

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“Reeks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reeks. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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