What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smelly
Example
The kitchen was smelly after cooking fish for dinner. [smelly: adjective]
Example
He didn't want to sit next to his smelly coworker on the bus. [smelly: adjective]
Example
The gym locker room was smelly and damp. [smelly: adjective]
stinky
Example
The garbage can was so stinky that I had to hold my breath. [stinky: adjective]
Example
His socks were so stinky that he had to wash them twice. [stinky: adjective]
Example
The abandoned house was dark, dusty, and stinky. [stinky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smelly is more commonly used than stinky in everyday language. Smelly is a more neutral term that can be used in various contexts, while stinky is a more colloquial term that is often used in informal situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smelly and stinky?
Smelly is a more formal term than stinky, making it more appropriate for use in formal or professional contexts. Stinky is a more casual and informal term that is best used in informal situations.
