reek
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.
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Disproportionate death sentences may be convincing to those who make clemency decisions, and they reek of unfairness.
From Slate ● Mar. 6, 2026
If that doesn’t reek of a corporate attempt to get people hooked, I don’t know what does.
From Salon ● Oct. 11, 2025
So the two embarked on a survey in the university hostels asking a truly human question: if our sneakers reek, doesn't that ruin the entire experience of using a shoe rack?
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2025
That tactic — special interests protecting their interests by attacking other special interests — may reek of off-the-charts cynicism.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 7, 2024
They say that’s why he wears the roses that reek of perfume.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Massie condemned the ad in a social media post: “It reeks of desperation, but they’re hoping the older generation won’t realize it’s an AI generated lie.”
From Salon ● May 24, 2026
The shelter in the town hall car park has excrement smeared on the floor and reeks of urine.
From Barron's ● Mar. 14, 2026
By leaving the couple of hours between posts “to me, reeks of some sort of impropriety,” Adami said.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 8, 2026
Honestly, the whole discussion reeks of College Football Brain, that cross-affliction of entitlement and exceptionalism in which the most bizarre circumstances are treated as routine business.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 1, 2025
“The boy reeks of iron. Spends all day handling it, baking it, breathing its smoke. Then comes in here with clever eyes.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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
On Wednesday, the 34-year-old said their home, like many, reeked of sewage and mold; she wasn’t sure it would ever be livable.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 24, 2024
I was ready for an event that reeked of Scandinavian coolness, a casual transfer of royal power as Danes gave it a passing glance on a chilly Sunday afternoon.
From BBC ● Jan. 15, 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
Snake is a wonderfully pulpy, instantly iconic creation, an outcast adventurer reeking of sweat and post-Vietnam cynicism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2025
Fans have been speaking to BBC Sport to vent their frustration at the situation, with one saying: "Spurs now enter the final few weeks of the transfer window reeking of desperation."
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2025
If you’re not keen on slathering animal fat all over your face and reeking of beef, there are a few alternatives that promise similar results and smell much better.
From Salon ● Jan. 25, 2025
Far from the handsome man she has pictured, he struts in with an “air of cheap assurance” and flashes his trinkets, reeking of cheap cologne, hair coated in bear grease.
From Slate ● May 27, 2024
Nailer sank like a stone through warm reeking liquid.
From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi
Vocabulary lists containing reek
The Nose Knows: Olfactory Vocabulary
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Something Smells: From "Malodorous" to "Mephitic" to "It Reeks!"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Smell Words
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
