reek 1 of 2

noun

ˈrēk How to pronounce reek (audio)
Definition of reeknext
1
as in stench
a strong unpleasant smell a terrible reek coming from the garbage can

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in haze
an atmospheric condition in which suspended particles in the air rob it of its transparency couldn't see through the reek of smog and smoke surrounding the steel plant

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reek

2 of 2

verb

as in to smell
to give off an extremely unpleasant smell those old sneakers reek something awful

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reek
Noun
Pro-housing groups have pointed to the influence of Heebner and other North County leaders to say the new maps’ treatment of Solana Beach and Oceanside reeks of political influence. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026 This dumb contest reeks of the clueless, insensitive ways of the past. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
Verb
The meteorite hurtled over the east coast before crash-landing in a house in Hillsborough, New Jersey where the homeowner found it, reeking of sulfur. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026 But the next three years reeked of alpha decay—the firm’s average yearly gain slumped from eighteen per cent to nine. — Gary Sernovitz, New Yorker, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for reek
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reek
  1. stench
  2. haze
  3. smell
  4. fog
  5. stink
  6. cloud
  7. mist
Noun
  • Fishmeal production has led to chronic chemical exposure, violent protests — typically spurred by the stench from fishmeal factories — and escalating transnational tensions as countries compete for catch.
    — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In the weeks after, more than 85 million pounds of rotting food being kept at the cold storage facility began to rot, leaving a putrid stench lingering over the area that led to infestations of rats, flies and other rodents.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of stench
Noun
  • On the horizon, in the haze, several more tankers lay anchored, engaged in ship-to-ship transfers, taking on oil shuttled through the Strait of Hormuz under US protection for delivery to customers around the world.
    — semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The surge in fires has renewed concerns about transboundary haze across Southeast Asia.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of haze
Verb
  • At some point, even Pelley and Chayka are going to have to wake up and smell the coffee.
    — James Mirtle, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The district attorney’s office said the child was reported to smell like cat urine and appeared seriously underweight and pale.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Loose white sand blew into the air and whirled around at the edge of the sea like a fog.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Tigers’ entourage, scheduled to appear here for SEC Basketball Media Day, could not take off due to the fog, grounding them for their session, the league announced.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of fog
Verb
  • Built for greatness, favored by the world, clearly the best, the Dodgers nonetheless blew a chance for a three-peat, and nothing about that doesn’t stink.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • On the Nightcap podcast earlier this week, Chad Ochocino/Johnson and Shannon Sharpe were discussing how much Justin Herbert stinks this year.
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of stink
Noun
  • Another round of low clouds is expected to develop late tonight and spread into the metroplex toward Wednesday morning.
    — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Google is working with McLaren to integrate its Gemini AI tools, while Mercedes-AMG Petronas has partnered with Microsoft to use AI and cloud technology for performance analysis and race strategy.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of cloud
Noun
  • Reed suggests using a cool-mist humidifier when sick, which can help ease stuffiness during a cold.
    — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Allure editors have consistently praised its fine, lightweight mist and a finish that sets within seconds.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of mist

Browse Nearby Words

reefs
reek
reeked
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Cite this Entry

“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reek. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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