stink
9 synonyms and 3 antonyms for stink, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
“The bins outside the restaurant stink in the summer heat.”
2. verb
To be very bad in quality (informal).
“Everyone agreed the movie's ending stank.”
Opposites
How to use stink
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
stink of smoke
raise a stink
stink to high heaven
Etymology
From Old English stincan, from an ancient Germanic root meaning "to push or strike" — related to the idea of a smell "hitting" you.
Full origin of stink →Frequently asked questions
What does “stink” mean?
The word “stink” means to give off a strong, unpleasant smell. In plain terms, to smell bad, be bad in quality, or (as a noun) a fuss or complaint.
How do you pronounce “stink”?
“Stink” is pronounced stihngk (/stɪŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “stink” in a sentence?
Here is “stink” used in a sentence: “The bins outside the restaurant stink in the summer heat.”
What part of speech is “stink”?
Depending on how it is used, “stink” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “stink” come from?
The word “stink” comes from Old English. From Old English stincan, from an ancient Germanic root meaning "to push or strike" — related to the idea of a smell "hitting" you.
Is “stink” a common word?
“Stink” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “stink” have?
“Stink” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
