Reek vs. Smell — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 12, 2024
Reek refers to a strong, unpleasant odor, whereas smell can be any odor, pleasant or unpleasant.
Difference Between Reek and Smell
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reek specifically denotes a very strong and unpleasant odor, often suggesting decay or other negative connotations. On the other hand, smell is a more general term that refers to any scent or odor, which can be either pleasant or offensive.
Reek is often used to describe intense situations or environments where the odor is overpowering and typically unwelcome. Whereas smell can be used to describe any context in which an odor is noticeable, whether it's the smell of fresh bread or a musty room.
Reek carries a negative implication and is rarely used for pleasant odors. On the other hand, smell is neutral and its connotation depends on the adjectives that are paired with it, such as "sweet smell" or "bad smell."
The term reek is usually associated with a persistent and pervasive odor that is hard to ignore or eliminate. Whereas smell can be fleeting and vary in intensity, making it a more versatile term in describing a range of olfactory experiences.
Reek implies a sensory assault, often causing a physical reaction such as wrinkling the nose or avoidance. On the other hand, smell can be subtle and may even be enjoyable, drawing people towards the source like the smell of coffee or flowers.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Negative
Neutral, depends on context
Intensity
Strong and overpowering
Can range from subtle to strong
Duration
Implies persistence and pervasiveness
Can be fleeting or persistent
Usage in sentences
Used with unpleasant odors
Used with both pleasant and unpleasant odors
Physical reaction
Often causes aversion or discomfort
Can attract or repel, depending on the nature of the odor
Compare with Definitions
Reek
An odor of decay or neglect.
The basement had a reek of damp and mold.
Smell
To perceive something by its odor.
She can smell a scam from a mile away.
Reek
A suggestion of something being wrong or of poor quality.
The reek of corruption was evident in the dilapidated building.
Smell
Used as both a noun and a verb.
Do you smell that? What is that smell?
Reek
A strong, unpleasant smell.
The reek of rotting garbage filled the alley.
Smell
The sense, located in the nasal cavities of mammals and relying on the olfactory nerves, by which molecules borne in a fluid such as air can be perceived; the olfactory sense.
Reek
To emit steam or smoke, often with an odor.
The old engine reeked as it chugged along.
Smell
A similar sense in other animals, as insects' ability to perceive air-borne molecules with their antennae.
Reek
Smell strongly and unpleasantly; stink
The yard reeked of wet straw and horse manure
Smell
The act or an instance of smelling
Got a smell of the pie.
Reek
A foul smell
The reek of cattle dung
Smell
A quality of something that is perceived by the sense of smell; an odor
The smell of a barn.
Reek
Smoke
He recovered himself and turned to peer through the reek
Smell
A distinctive enveloping or characterizing quality; an aura or trace
The smell of success.
Reek
To give off a strong unpleasant odor
"Grandma, who reeks of face powder and lilac water" (Garrison Keillor).
Smell
To perceive (an odor) by the sense of smell.
Reek
To be pervaded by something unpleasant
"This document ... reeks of self-pity and self-deception" (Christopher Hitchens).
Smell
To perceive or detect (something) by a chemosensory organ, such as an antenna.
Reek
Chiefly British To smoke, steam, or fume.
Smell
To inhale the air near (something); sniff
Smiled as she smelled the rose.
Reek
A strong offensive odor; a stench.
Smell
To detect or discover, as by intuition or inference
We smelled trouble ahead. The committee tried to smell out corruption in law enforcement.
Reek
Chiefly British Smoke or vapor.
Smell
To use the sense of smell.
Reek
A strong unpleasant smell.
Smell
To sniff
The dog was smelling around the bed.
Reek
(Scotland) Vapour; steam; smoke; fume.
Smell
To have or emit an odor
"The breeze smelled exactly like Vouvray—flowery, with a hint of mothballs underneath" (Anne Tyler).
Reek
(Ireland) A hill; a mountain.
Smell
To have or emit an unpleasant odor; stink
This closet smells.
Reek
(intransitive) To have or give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
You reek of perfume.
Your fridge reeks of egg.
Smell
To be suggestive; have a touch of something
A remark that smells of sanctimony.
Reek
To be evidently associated with something unpleasant.
The boss appointing his nephew as a director reeks of nepotism.
Smell
To appear to be dishonest or corrupt
The political situation is starting to smell.
Reek
To be emitted or exhaled, emanate, as of vapour or perfume.
Smell
A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.
I love the smell of fresh bread.
Reek
To emit smoke or vapour; to steam.
Smell
(physiology) The sense that detects odours.
Reek
A rick.
Smell
(transitive) To sense a smell or smells.
I can smell fresh bread.
Smell the milk and tell me whether it's gone off.
Reek
Vapor; steam; smoke; fume.
As hateful to me as the reek of a limekiln.
Smell
Followed by like or of if descriptive: to have a particular smell, whether good or bad.
The roses smell lovely.
Her feet smell of cheese.
The drunkard smelt like a brewery.
Reek
To emit vapor, usually that which is warm and moist; to be full of fumes; to steam; to smoke; to exhale.
Few chimneys reeking you shall espy.
I found me laidIn balmy sweat, which with his beams the sunSoon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed.
The coffee rooms reeked with tobacco.
Smell
To smell bad; to stink.
Ew, this stuff smells.
Reek
A distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
Smell
To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savour.
A report smells of calumny.
Reek
Have an element suggestive (of something);
His speeches smacked of racism
Smell
To detect or perceive; often with out.
Reek
Smell badly and offensively;
The building reeks of smoke
Smell
(obsolete) To give heed to.
Reek
Be wet with sweat or blood, as of one's face
Smell
(transitive) To smell of; to have a smell of
Reek
Give off smoke, fumes, warm vapour, steam, etc.;
Marshes reeking in the sun
Smell
To perceive by the olfactory nerves, or organs of smell; to have a sensation of, excited through the nasal organs when affected by the appropriate materials or qualities; to obtain the scent of; as, to smell a rose; to smell perfumes.
Reek
To smell strongly and unpleasantly.
He came into the room reeking of sweat and dirt.
Smell
To detect or perceive, as if by the sense of smell; to scent out; - often with out.
Can you smell him out by that?
Smell
To give heed to.
From that time forward I began to smellthe Word of God, and forsook the school doctors.
Smell
To affect the olfactory nerves; to have an odor or scent; - often followed by of; as, to smell of smoke, or of musk.
Smell
To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savor; as, a report smells of calumny.
Praises in an enemy are superfluous, or smell of craft.
Smell
To exercise the sense of smell.
Smell
To exercise sagacity.
Smell
The sense or faculty by which certain qualities of bodies are perceived through the instrumentally of the olfactory nerves. See Sense.
Smell
The quality of any thing or substance, or emanation therefrom, which affects the olfactory organs; odor; scent; fragrance; perfume; as, the smell of mint.
Breathing the smell of field and grove.
That which, above all others, yields the sweetest smell in the air, is the violent.
Smell
The sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form;
She loved the smell of roses
Smell
Any property detected by the olfactory system
Smell
The general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people;
The feel of the city excited him
A clergyman improved the tone of the meeting
It had the smell of treason
Smell
The faculty of smell
Smell
The act of perceiving the odor of something
Smell
Inhale the odor of; perceive by the olfactory sense
Smell
Emit an odor;
The soup smells good
Smell
Smell bad;
He rarely washes, and he smells
Smell
The faculty by which odors are perceived.
The smell of freshly cut grass is invigorating.
Smell
A term for any detectable odor.
The smell in the kitchen suggested that dinner was almost ready.
Smell
Can indicate something's quality or condition.
The smell of the air told us that spring was near.
Common Curiosities
Can animals reek?
Yes, animals can reek if they emit a strong, unpleasant odor, often due to natural secretions or lack of cleanliness.
Is reek used differently in scientific contexts compared to smell?
In scientific contexts, both terms are used to describe odors, but reek is less common and typically not used in a neutral scientific description.
How does the intensity of a reek compare to a smell?
A reek is typically more intense and overpowering compared to a smell, which can range from subtle to strong.
Are there any health implications associated with a reek?
A strong reek, especially from chemicals or decay, can have health implications, including headaches or respiratory issues.
What type of smell might not be described as a reek?
Pleasant smells, such as those of flowers or baked goods, would not be described as reeking.
How can someone reduce the reek in an area?
Ventilation, cleaning, and using odor-neutralizing products can help reduce the reek.
Can the term reek ever be positive?
Reek is almost exclusively negative and used to describe particularly strong and unpleasant odors.
What is the best way to describe a subtle scent?
A subtle scent is best described as a smell, as it conveys a gentler, less intrusive odor.
Why might a writer choose to use reek instead of smell in a narrative?
A writer might choose reek to convey a strong, negative impact and evoke a stronger emotional response from the reader.
What is the main difference between reek and smell?
Reek specifically refers to a strong, unpleasant odor, often related to decay, whereas smell is a more general term for any type of odor.
Can foods reek or do they just smell?
Foods can both reek and smell, depending on their condition and the individual's perception of the odor.
Is it rude to tell someone they reek?
It can be seen as rude or insensitive to directly tell someone they reek due to the strong negative connotations of the word.
Is it common to use smell in a figurative sense?
Yes, smell is often used figuratively, such as saying someone can "smell fear" or "smell success."
Can the word smell have a positive connotation?
Yes, smell can have a positive connotation when associated with pleasant or desirable odors.
Does the length of exposure affect whether something reeks or smells?
Yes, prolonged exposure to an unpleasant odor might lead someone to describe it as reeking rather than merely smelling.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
