Looking for synonyms for bad smell? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say bad smell.
- Stench
- Foul odor
- Reek
- Pungency
- Malodor
- Stink
- Fetor
- Nasty smell
- Putrid smell
- Rankness
- Noxious odor
- Rancid smell
- Foulness
- Offensiveness
- Miasma
- Funk
- Mustiness
- Frowstiness
- Acrid smell
- Niff
Want to learn how to say bad smell professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Stench
Usage: Often used to describe a very strong and unpleasant smell, typically in an industrial or environmental context.
Example: “The stench from the chemical plant was noticeable several miles away.”
2. Foul odor
Usage: A general term for any unpleasant smell, suitable in various contexts, from domestic to professional.
Example: “The team investigated the source of the foul odor in the office building.”
3. Reek
Usage: Used to describe a powerful and unpleasant smell, often in a context of decay or filth.
Example: “The abandoned warehouse reeked of damp and decay.”
4. Pungency
Usage: Typically refers to a strong, sharp smell, often used in culinary or chemical contexts.
Example: “The pungency of the spices was overwhelming in the small storage room.”
5. Malodor
Usage: A formal term for a bad smell, often used in scientific or medical contexts.
Example: “The laboratory was concerned about the malodor emanating from the waste containers.”
6. Stink
Usage: A common, informal term for a bad smell, used in a wide range of contexts.
Example: “The stink from the spoiled food was apparent as soon as we entered the kitchen.”
7. Fetor
Usage: A more formal or medical term for an offensive odor, often associated with decay.
Example: “The fetor in the old hospital wing suggested a lack of proper ventilation.”
8. Nasty smell
Usage: An informal way to describe a very unpleasant smell, suitable in casual or everyday contexts.
Example: “There was a nasty smell coming from the drainage system outside the office.”
9. Putrid smell
Usage: Describes a smell associated with rotting or decay, often used in medical or waste management contexts.
Example: “The putrid smell indicated a serious issue with the waste disposal process.”
10. Rankness
Usage: Used to describe an intensely strong and unpleasant smell, often in nature or outdoor settings.
Example: “The rankness of the stagnant water was a concern for the environmental team.”
11. Noxious odor
Usage: Often used to describe a harmful or toxic smell, especially in industrial or environmental health contexts.
Example: “Workers were warned about the noxious odor emanating from the newly applied industrial coatings.”
12. Rancid smell
Usage: Typically used to describe the smell of spoiled fats or oils, common in food industry contexts.
Example: “The rancid smell in the restaurant’s kitchen was traced to expired cooking oil.”
13. Foulness
Usage: A general term for any kind of bad smell, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
Example: “The foulness of the air in the old basement was immediately noticeable.”
14. Offensiveness
Usage: Describes a smell that is particularly unpleasant or repugnant, suitable for various contexts.
Example: “The offensiveness of the landfill’s odor was a topic of community concern.”
15. Miasma
Usage: A literary or historical term, often used to describe a heavy, oppressive, or noxious atmosphere or smell.
Example: “A miasma hung over the abandoned factory, deterring potential investors.”
16. Funk
Usage: Informal, often used to describe a strong, unpleasant smell, typically of human origin.
Example: “The locker room had a distinct funk after the long tournament weekend.”
17. Mustiness
Usage: Used to describe the smell of dampness, mold, or mildew, often in buildings or old books.
Example: “The mustiness in the library archives was a concern for the preservation of old manuscripts.”
18. Frowstiness
Usage: Describes an old, stuffy, and unpleasant smell, often in closed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Example: “The frowstiness of the storage room was apparent as soon as the door was opened.”
19. Acrid smell
Usage: Refers to a strong and sharp smell, often chemical or burning in nature.
Example: “An acrid smell filled the laboratory after the chemical reaction went awry.”
20. Niff
Usage: A British informal term for an unpleasant smell, often used in a light-hearted or casual manner.
Example: “There was an undeniable niff coming from the office refrigerator.”
