stench
Nose-wrinkling emanation
A stench is a strong, foul smell—more intense and offensive than an ordinary bad odor.
Rotting garbage, sewage, and decay produce stenches.
The word often appears figuratively: the stench of corruption, the stench of failure.
Where smell is neutral and odor only mildly negative, stench is unmistakably repulsive.
Olfactory perception
- odorPerceived atmospheric emission
- reekEmit strong odor
- whiffBrief, faint smell
- noseOlfactory facial organ
waft · sniff · inhale · pong · miasma · emanation · permeate · linger
Offensive or illegal
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
- overpoweringToo intense to withstand
- pungentSharply strong-smelling
- rankPosition in hierarchy
reeking · nauseating · fetid · noisome · offensive · revolting · vile · sickening
Organic breakdown process
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- sewageLiquid refuse in drains
- garbageDiscarded waste material
carrion · sulfur · compost · mold · mildew · spoilage · excrement · swamp
Substance that removes smells
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- freshenerAgent that renews scent
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
- incenseAnger greatly, or aromatic resin
charcoal · neutralizer · masking · airing · perfume · sanitizer · baking soda · fumigation
Dishonest abuse of power
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- wrongdoingUnethical or illegal action
- disgraceLoss of honor
taint · foulness · moral decay · cover-up · rottenness
smell
Olfactory perception
nose · waft · sniff · inhale · pong · miasma · emanation · permeate · linger · drift
foul
Offensive or illegal
- putridDecomposed and foul-smelling
- overpoweringToo intense to withstand
- pungentSharply strong-smelling
rank · reeking · nauseating · fetid · noisome · offensive · revolting · vile · sickening · acrid
rot
Organic breakdown process
- decayGradual organic breakdown
- decompositionBreakdown into simpler parts
- sewageLiquid refuse in drains
garbage · carrion · sulfur · compost · mold · mildew · spoilage · excrement · swamp · stagnant
deodorizer
Substance that removes smells
- ventilationCirculation of fresh air
- freshenerAgent that renews scent
- disinfectantAgent destroying surface pathogens
incense · charcoal · neutralizer · masking · airing · perfume · sanitizer · baking soda · fumigation · cleansing
corruption
Dishonest abuse of power
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- suspicionSense of unease about motives
- wrongdoingUnethical or illegal action
disgrace · taint · foulness · moral decay · cover-up · rottenness
stenchfragrance
Pleasing olfactory quality
perfume · aroma · bouquet · sweet smell · freshness
- stench bombsDevices releasing noxious odor