What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
odor
Example
The odor of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen. [odor: noun]
Example
She sprayed perfume to give off a pleasant odor. [odor: noun]
Example
The odor of the flowers was overwhelming. [odor: noun]
stench
Example
The stench of rotten eggs filled the room. [stench: noun]
Example
The garbage had been left for too long, causing a terrible stench. [stench: noun]
Example
The sewage system was backed up, creating a powerful stench. [stench: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Odor is more commonly used than stench in everyday language. Odor is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stench is less common and usually reserved for describing very unpleasant smells.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between odor and stench?
Both odor and stench can be used in formal and informal contexts, but odor is generally more formal and neutral in tone, while stench is more informal and negative in tone.
