smelly
Far from fresh
Smelly means having a noticeable odor, almost always unpleasant: smelly feet, a smelly garbage can.
The word is informal and mildly childish—adults more often say something stinks or reeks.
Smelly rarely describes pleasant scents; you wouldn't call a rose smelly.
Powerfully offensive odor
- rottenDecomposed or corrupt
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- fetidHaving foul odor
nauseating · disgusting · revolting · repulsive · offensive · vile · nasty · gross
Moist from exertion
body odor · gym socks · locker room · flatulence · manure · urine · feces · skunk
Fragrant liquid for wearing
- fragrantEmitting pleasant smell
- aromaticPleasantly strong-smelling
- scentedHaving added fragrance
- floralOf or like blooms
jasmine · lavender · rose · sandalwood · vanilla · incense · cologne · bouquet
Breakdown into simpler parts
- compostDecayed organic fertilizer
- spoiledRuined or overindulged
- moldyCovered in fungal growth
- mildewFungus from dampness
fermented · sour · stagnant · rotting · putrescent · carrion · garbage · sewage
Fine-edged, or astute
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- penetratingPassing into or through
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
- overpoweringToo intense to withstand
intense · potent · piercing · strong · eye-watering · ammonia · vinegar · garlic
stench
Powerfully offensive odor
fetid · nauseating · disgusting · revolting · repulsive · offensive · vile · nasty · gross · sickening
sweaty
Moist from exertion
halitosis · body odor · gym socks · locker room · flatulence · manure · urine · feces · skunk · musk
perfume
Fragrant liquid for wearing
floral · jasmine · lavender · rose · sandalwood · vanilla · incense · cologne · bouquet · lilac
decomposition
Breakdown into simpler parts
mildew · fermented · sour · stagnant · rotting · putrescent · carrion · garbage · sewage · swamp
sharp
Fine-edged, or astute
- acridUnpleasantly sharp-smelling
- penetratingPassing into or through
- bitingHarshly critical or cold
overpowering · intense · potent · piercing · strong · eye-watering · ammonia · vinegar · garlic · onions
odor
Perceived atmospheric emission
sniff · nose · nostrils · olfactory · waft · detect · emanate · linger · permeate · funk
- bad smellUnpleasant olfactory sensation
- smell a ratBecome suspicious of deceit
- smells fishyAppears deceitful or questionable
- new-car smellDistinctive odor of recent purchase
- new car smellAroma of unused vehicles
- come out smelling of rosesEmerge favorably from difficulty
smell, smelling, smells, smelled, smelliest, smelliness, smellier, smeller