Smelly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈsme-lē/

Meaning & Definition of Smelly

Smelly (adjective)

  1. having a smell; especially, malodorous

Smelly (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having an unpleasant smell

    "your smelly sneakers are enough to raise the dead"

    similar: fetid, foul, frowsty (chiefly British), frowsy, funky, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, reeking, reeky, ripe, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong
    related: putrid, rancid, skunky, stale, bad, disgusting, offensive, repulsive, revolting, vile, decayed, decaying, decomposed, decomposing, rotted, rotten, rotting, spoiled, spoiling, dirty, filthy, nasty, noxious, odiferous, odoriferous, odorous
    opposite: ambrosial, aromatic, fragrant, perfumed, redolent, savory, scented, sweet
    near: flowery, fruity, spicy, woodsy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Smelly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Smelly:

Chiefly British: frowsty
fetid, foul, frowsy, funky, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome, rank, reeking, reeky, ripe, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Smelly

Words with the opposite meaning of Smelly:

ambrosial, aromatic, fragrant, perfumed, redolent, savory, scented, sweet

Related Words for Smelly

putrid, rancid, skunky, stale, bad, disgusting, offensive, repulsive, revolting, vile, decayed, decaying, decomposed, decomposing, rotted, rotten, rotting, spoiled, spoiling, dirty, filthy, nasty, noxious, odiferous, odoriferous, odorous

Near Antonyms of Smelly

flowery, fruity, spicy, woodsy

Word Forms of Smelly

Inflections: smellier, smelliest

Origin & Etymology of Smelly

First known use: 1862

Frequently Asked Questions about Smelly

What does "Smelly" mean?

"Smelly" means having a smell; especially, malodorous. As an adjective, it is defined as: having a smell; especially, malodorous.

What is another word for "Smelly"?

Other words for "Smelly" include fetid, foul, frowsty, frowsy, funky, fusty, malodorous and musty. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Smelly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Smelly"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Smelly". Common alternatives include fetid, foul, frowsty, frowsy, funky, fusty, malodorous, musty, noisome and rank.

What is the opposite of "Smelly"?

Antonyms of "Smelly" include ambrosial, aromatic, fragrant, perfumed, redolent, savory, scented and sweet. Near antonyms include flowery, fruity, spicy and woodsy.

How do you use "Smelly" in a sentence?

Examples of "Smelly" in a sentence: "your smelly sneakers are enough to raise the dead".

Is "Smelly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Smelly" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Smelly"?

"Smelly" is pronounced /ˈsme-lē/.

What is the origin of the word "Smelly"?

First known use: 1862.