1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell
a terrible reek coming from the garbage can
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of reek
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
Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
The 2000s babies reeked of youth.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reek
Noun
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
Verb
When he was lugged in Saugus in 2011, reeking of cheap domestic lager, he was first told to turn off the engine in his unmarked MSP Crown Vic.
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026
The 2000s babies reeked of youth.
—Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for reek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reek
Noun
-
The low-down dive bar is draped in painterly shadows inspired by Renaissance masters, the stale cigarette stench palpable.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The sheets will absorb the stench while adding a pleasant scent.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Whether hiking through bright sunlight, overcast skies, or snowy conditions where the sun glare is reflected, Knockaround does an excellent job of reducing the haze and glare.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
-
A little haze won’t affect the taste.—
Carla Lalli Music,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
These are the areas where, as Solodko explains, perishables interact, and smells can happen.—
Heather Bien,
The Spruce,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Pine-Sol can get rid of tough stains and smells such as grease and unpleasant odors on athletic gear for clothing that seems good as new.—
Lauren Wicks,
Southern Living,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Some locally dense fog remains possible Tuesday as dew point temperatures and air temperatures reach the low 60s.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Patchy dense fog will be possible for the inland areas.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Parking can stink, and transit can stink, and the music choices can stink.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The big problem What few people talk about is that California stinks at attracting new residents from other states.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And third, the center of the nebula is obscure, with what looks like a wispy cloud in the foreground blocking us from seeing the central star itself.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
11 Feb. 2026
-
That data lives in Google’s cloud and servers.—
Hadas Gold,
CNN Money,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Athena Club’s latest launch—body mists—perform really well given their under-$20 price tag.—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Respiratory benefits The hot mist that forms when water hits a shower steamer may provide respiratory benefits.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reek. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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