reek
noun
a strong, unpleasant smell.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He looked up to find the culprit: tree-shaped air fresheners that reeked of cheap cologne.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
After retreating to my car, which reeked of smoke, for a brief break the morning after the fires erupted, I got a message from my editor.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2025
It also reeked of “desperation,” per former federal prosecutor Harry Litman.
From Salon ● May 29, 2024
“I grew up,” said Patricia Majluf, a biologist and senior scientist at Oceana Peru, “in a city that reeked of fish meal.”
From Slate ● Feb. 4, 2024
The whole thing reeked of secrets, a smell Ivy knew very well, so she didn’t bother asking why.
From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake
