rancid

[ran-sid] / ˈræn sɪd /

ADJECTIVE

rotten, strong-smelling

Synonyms

STRONGEST

contaminated disagreeable fetid moldy musty polluted putrid smelly soured stale tainted

WEAK

bad carious curdled decomposing disgusting evil-smelling feculent foul frowzy fusty gamy high impure loathsome malodorous nasty nidorous noisome noxious off offensive olid putrefactive putrefied putrescent rank reeky repulsive sharp sour stinking strong turned unhealthy whiffy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

clean fresh new perfumed pure sweet

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.

As Nolso opens the door, a rancid odour escaped.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Left too long in that environment, it will eventually turn rancid.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2025

The goat was "nasty and mean", smelled "disgusting, musky, rancid", and would chase her young children, knocking them down.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Nicolaus, a longtime Bay Area resident, was stunned by the bottleneck of truck traffic, the expansive field of rancid garbage and the multitude of pests it attracted.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2024

Cluny’s rancid breath blasted into Shadow’s face as he ground out each syllable.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Vocabulary lists containing rancid

The Cay

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Oh, No! Synonyms for "Bad"

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