1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell
a terrible reek coming from the garbage can
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Example Sentences
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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
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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
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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
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Most are soft; some are veiled by haze or sea mist, and others employ blur to picturesque ends.—
James Quandt,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
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Words that drift through the haze of NFL contract negotiations, however, rarely equate to actions.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
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The splashing water captured by the camera is abstracted into a nebulous fog that dissolves the profile of a Parisian bridge in the background.—
Erika Landström,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
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In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
And the reality stinks for Cleveland right now.—
Joe Vardon,
New York Times,
24 May 2026
-
If someone stinks and has options, send him back to the minors.—
John Shipley,
Twin Cities,
22 May 2026
Noun
-
Unusual cloud formations took shape above Houston’s highways on Tuesday.—
Ben Noll,
Washington Post,
3 June 2026
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Over the prairie there would be lightning that evening, dropping in shattering bolts from swollen purple clouds.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 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
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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 7 Jun. 2026.
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