Smell bad synonym,synonyms of smell bad

1. Stink

Similarities

• “Stink” and “smell bad” are very closely related in meaning. They both describe an extremely unpleasant odor. For example, if there is a rotting garbage pile in an alley, we can say it stinks or it smells bad. In both cases, we are communicating the strong, disagreeable nature of the smell. This similarity makes them interchangeable in many casual conversations and descriptions of foul - smelling things.

Differences

• “Stink” is often considered a more informal, colloquial term. It has a raw, earthy feel to it and is commonly used in everyday speech, especially among friends, family, or in less formal settings. For example, a child might exclaim, “Ugh, this diaper stinks!” in a very natural, unfiltered way. The term “stink” here adds to the immediate, visceral reaction to the unpleasant smell.
• In contrast, “smell bad” is a more neutral and general way of expressing the same idea. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For instance, a scientist in a laboratory report might write, “The chemical compound was found to smell bad,” using a more objective and formal tone. While “smell bad” conveys the same basic meaning as “stink,” it lacks the informal, punchy quality that “stink” has.

2. Reek

Similarities

• “Reek,” “stink,” and “smell bad” all refer to the presence of an offensive odor. They are used to describe situations where the smell is so unpleasant that it attracts attention and causes a negative reaction. For example, in a kitchen where food has been left burning on the stove, the air might reek, stink, or smell bad. All three expressions can be used to convey the same idea of a strong, disagreeable smell that fills the air and is likely to be noticed by anyone in the vicinity.

Differences

• “Reek” often implies a more intense and pervasive smell. It suggests that the unpleasant odor is not only strong but also spreads over a large area or lingers in the air for a long time. For example, if a sewage pipe bursts in a neighborhood, the entire area might reek of sewage. The term “reek” here conveys the idea of a powerful, noxious smell that permeates the air and affects a wide area. In contrast, “stink” and “smell bad” can also describe strong unpleasant smells, but they do not necessarily carry the same connotation of pervasiveness and intensity as “reek.” For example, a single pair of dirty socks might stink or smell bad, but it is less likely to be described as reeking, as the smell is not as intense or pervasive as in the case of a sewage pipe burst.
• As previously mentioned, “stink” is a more informal, colloquial term that is commonly used in everyday speech, especially in casual conversations among friends, family, or in less formal settings. It has a raw, earthy feel to it and is often used to express a more immediate, visceral reaction to an unpleasant smell. For example, a person might say, “This bathroom stinks! We need to clean it,” in a very natural, unfiltered way. The term “stink” here adds to the immediate, informal nature of the complaint.
• “Smell bad” is a more neutral and general way of expressing the idea of an unpleasant smell. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and it does not carry the same connotation of informality or intensity as “stink” or “reek.” For example, a professional reviewer might write, “The new product has a slight tendency to smell bad, which could be a drawback for some consumers,” using a more objective and formal tone. The term “smell bad” here is used to convey a straightforward description of the product's odor without adding any extra connotations of informality or intensity.