smelly
5 synonyms and 5 antonyms for smelly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Having a strong, unpleasant odor.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use smelly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From smell plus the adjective-forming suffix -y.
Full origin of smelly →Frequently asked questions
What does “smelly” mean?
The word “smelly” means having a strong, unpleasant odor. In plain terms, having a bad odor — or, informally, suspicious.
How do you pronounce “smelly”?
“Smelly” is pronounced SMEH-lee (/ˈsmɛli/ in IPA).
How do you use “smelly” in a sentence?
Here is “smelly” used in a sentence: “His gym bag was smelly after a week of unwashed clothes.”
What is another word for “smelly”?
Words with a similar meaning to “smelly” include foul-smelling, malodorous, rank, stinky and whiffy.
What is the opposite of “smelly”?
The opposite of “smelly” — its antonyms — are aromatic, fragrant, sweet-smelling, above board and clean.
What part of speech is “smelly”?
“Smelly” is an adjective.
Is “smelly” a common word?
“Smelly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smelly” have?
“Smelly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having a strong, unpleasant odor.