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Synonyms
malodorous, stinking, fetid, noisome, putrid, rank, fusty, musty mean bad-smelling.
malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.
noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.
putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.
rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.
fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.
Examples of fetid in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fetid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, from Latin foetidus, from foetēre to stink
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fetid
Cite this Entry
“Fetid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fetid. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
fetid
adjectiveMore from Merriam-Webster on fetid
Nglish: Translation of fetid for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of fetid for Arabic Speakers
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