Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke strong reactions. Sometimes, you want to describe a bad door in a creative vivid way.

Similes help make descriptions of smelly things more colourful and fun.

In this article you’ll explore105+ similes for smelly each with a meaning three example sentences and alternative ways to express the idea. Let’s dive into these expressive comparisons!

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Similes for Smelly

1. Smelly as Rotten Eggs

Meaning: Extremely foul or unpleasant smell.
Examples:

• “The fridge was smelly as rotten eggs after the power went out.”
• “He wrinkled his nose; the cheese was smelly as rotten eggs.”
• “The locker room smelled smelly as rotten eggs after practice.”
  Other Ways to Say: Stinky, Foul-smelling

2. Smelly Like Garbage

Meaning: Has the odor of trash or waste.
Examples:

• “The alley was smelly like garbage on a hot day.”
• “His shoes were smelly like garbage after the hike.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly like garbage when the bin overflowed.”
  Other Ways to Say: Trash-like smell, Rancid

3. Smelly as a Sewer

Meaning: Extremely pungent and disgusting.
Examples:

• “The basement smelled smelly as a sewer.”
• “After the flood, the house was smelly as a sewer.”
• “He gagged; the drain was smelly as a sewer.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul, Putrid

4. Smelly Like Rotten Fish

Meaning: Stinks sharply, like decomposing seafood.
Examples:

• “The pond smelled smelly like rotten fish in summer.”
• “He dropped the fish on the floor, and it smelled like rotten fish.”
• “The market stall smelled smelly like rotten fish.”
  Other Ways to Say: Fishy, Decayed

5. Smelly as a Dirty Sock

Meaning: Strong and unpleasant odor from unwashed clothing.
Examples:

• “His gym bag was smelly as a dirty sock.”
• “She took off her shoes; the room smelled smelly as a dirty sock.”
• “The locker smelled smelly as a dirty sock after the match.”
  Other Ways to Say: Stinky socks, Musty

6. Smelly Like Garbage Left in the Sun

Meaning: Intensely foul odor intensified by heat.
Examples:

• “The trash was smelly like garbage left in the sun.”
• “After the picnic, the cooler smelled smelly like garbage left in the sun.”
• “The alley was smelly like garbage left in the sun for days.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Rotten

7. Smelly as Spoiled Milk

Meaning: Sour and unpleasant, like milk gone bad.
Examples:

• “The fridge smelled smelly as spoiled milk.”
• “He sniffed the yogurt—it was smelly as spoiled milk.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly as spoiled milk after the power cut.”
  Other Ways to Say: Sour-smelling, Acidic smell

8. Smelly Like a Wet Dog

Meaning: Damp, musty odor common in animals.
Examples:

• “After the rain, his dog was smelly like a wet dog.”
• “The coat smelled smelly like a wet dog.”
• “The basement smelled smelly like a wet dog after the leak.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Damp-stinky

9. Smelly as Rotten Meat

Meaning: Extremely pungent, decaying flesh odor.
Examples:

• “The trash smelled smelly as rotten meat.”
• “He held his nose; the meat in the bin was smelly as rotten meat.”
• “The alley smelled smelly as rotten meat under the sun.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

10. Smelly Like Stale Cheese

Meaning: Strong, sharp odor of old or aged cheese.
Examples:

• “The fridge smelled smelly like stale cheese.”
• “He sniffed the wrapper; it was smelly like stale cheese.”
• “The room smelled smelly like stale cheese from the old fridge.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Strong cheese smell

11. Smelly as a Skunk

Meaning: Extremely pungent and unpleasant smell.
Examples:

• “The garden smelled smelly as a skunk after the rain.”
• “He opened the bottle and it smelled smelly as a skunk.”
• “The alley was smelly as a skunk at night.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul-smelling, Pungent

12. Smelly Like Rotten Onions

Meaning: Sharp, lingering bad odor.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly like rotten onions.”
• “His bag had smelly like rotten onions after the grocery trip.”
• “The dumpster smelled smelly like rotten onions.”
  Other Ways to Say: Strong-smelling, Pungent

13. Smelly as a Pigsty

Meaning: Extremely dirty and foul-smelling area.
Examples:

• “The farm smelled smelly as a pigsty.”
• “His room was smelly as a pigsty after a week without cleaning.”
• “The barn smelled smelly as a pigsty.”
  Other Ways to Say: Messy-smelling, Foul

14. Smelly Like Wet Socks

Meaning: Musty and unpleasant odor from damp clothing.
Examples:

• “The shoes smelled smelly like wet socks.”
• “After the rain, the gym bag smelled smelly like wet socks.”
• “His backpack smelled smelly like wet socks.”
  Other Ways to Say: Damp-stinky, Musty

15. Smelly as Rotten Onions

Meaning: Very strong, pungent, unpleasant smell.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly as rotten onions.”
• “He wrinkled his nose; the trash was smelly as rotten onions.”
• “The alley smelled smelly as rotten onions after the rain.”
  Other Ways to Say: Sharp-smelling, Foul

16. Smelly Like Rotten Eggs

Meaning: Strong sulfur smell.
Examples:

• “The sink smelled smelly like rotten eggs.”
• “He gagged—the fridge smelled smelly like rotten eggs.”
• “The hot spring smelled smelly like rotten eggs.”
  Other Ways to Say: Sulfurous, Pungent

17. Smelly as Stale Cheese

Meaning: Strong, lingering odor from old cheese.
Examples:

• “The fridge smelled smelly as stale cheese.”
• “He sniffed the wrapper; it smelled smelly as stale cheese.”
• “The locker smelled smelly as stale cheese.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Sharp-smelling

18. Smelly Like Garbage Left in the Sun

Meaning: Intensely foul smell due to decomposition.
Examples:

• “The trash was smelly like garbage left in the sun.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like garbage left in the sun for days.”
• “His shoes smelled smelly like garbage left in the sun.”
  Other Ways to Say: Rancid, Pungent

19. Smelly as Moldy Bread

Meaning: Musty, decaying smell.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly as moldy bread.”
• “He noticed the bag smelled smelly as moldy bread.”
• “The pantry smelled smelly as moldy bread after the flood.”
  Other Ways to Say: Mildewy, Foul

20. Smelly Like a Wet Dog

Meaning: Damp, musty, and unpleasant odor.
Examples:

• “His coat smelled smelly like a wet dog after the rain.”
• “The basement smelled smelly like a wet dog.”
• “Her shoes smelled smelly like a wet dog.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Damp-stinky

21. Smelly as Rotten Meat

Meaning: Strong odor from decaying flesh.
Examples:

• “The alley smelled smelly as rotten meat.”
• “The garbage smelled smelly as rotten meat.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly as rotten meat after the power cut.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

22. Smelly Like a Locker Room

Meaning: Strong, sweaty odor.
Examples:

• “The gym smelled smelly like a locker room.”
• “His shoes smelled smelly like a locker room.”
• “The changing room was smelly like a locker room.”
  Other Ways to Say: Sweaty-smelling, Strong odor

23. Smelly as a Stinky Diaper

Meaning: Very unpleasant, often humorously.
Examples:

• “The baby’s diaper smelled smelly as a stinky diaper.”
• “The trash smelled smelly as a stinky diaper.”
• “The room smelled smelly as a stinky diaper.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul-smelling, Nauseating

24. Smelly Like Rotten Fruit

Meaning: Strong smell of decay.
Examples:

• “The basket smelled smelly like rotten fruit.”
• “The compost smelled smelly like rotten fruit.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly like rotten fruit.”
  Other Ways to Say: Decaying, Putrid

25. Smelly as a Dump

Meaning: Foul odor from trash or waste.
Examples:

• “The alley smelled smelly as a dump.”
• “The landfill smelled smelly as a dump.”
• “The backyard smelled smelly as a dump.”
  Other Ways to Say: Trash-like smell, Foul

26. Smelly Like Durian

Meaning: Strong, unique, and pungent odor.
Examples:

• “The fruit smelled smelly like durian in the fridge.”
• “The market smelled smelly like durian.”
• “Her backpack smelled smelly like durian after the picnic.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Strong-smelling

27. Smelly as a Stagnant Pond

Meaning: Musty, decayed water smell.
Examples:

• “The pond smelled smelly as a stagnant pond.”
• “The backyard puddle smelled smelly as a stagnant pond.”
• “The swamp smelled smelly as a stagnant pond.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Foul

28. Smelly Like Compost

Meaning: Strong, earthy, decaying smell.
Examples:

• “The garden smelled smelly like compost.”
• “The bin smelled smelly like compost.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like compost heaps.”
  Other Ways to Say: Earthy, Foul

29. Smelly as Rotten Vegetables

Meaning: Strong, pungent odor.
Examples:

• “The trash smelled smelly as rotten vegetables.”
• “The fridge smelled smelly as rotten vegetables.”
• “The compost smelled smelly as rotten vegetables.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Strong-smelling

30. Smelly Like Fermented Cabbage

Meaning: Sour, strong smell.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly like fermented cabbage.”
• “The market smelled smelly like fermented cabbage.”
• “Her fridge smelled smelly like fermented cabbage.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Sour-smelling

31. Smelly as a Swamp

Meaning: Musty, earthy, unpleasant smell.
Examples:

• “The backyard smelled smelly as a swamp.”
• “The pond smelled smelly as a swamp.”
• “The forest smelled smelly as a swamp in summer.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Foul

32. Smelly Like Stale Fish

Meaning: Pungent odor of old seafood.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly like stale fish.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like stale fish.”
• “The fridge smelled smelly like stale fish.”
  Other Ways to Say: Fishy, Rotten

33. Smelly as a Rotten Barn

Meaning: Musty, decayed odor.
Examples:

• “The old barn smelled smelly as a rotten barn.”
• “The farm smelled smelly as a rotten barn.”
• “The shed smelled smelly as a rotten barn.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul, Mildewy

34. Smelly Like Ammonia

Meaning: Strong chemical smell.
Examples:

• “The cleaning room smelled smelly like ammonia.”
• “The lab smelled smelly like ammonia.”
• “Her shoes smelled smelly like ammonia after cleaning.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Strong chemical smell

35. Smelly as Rotten Eggs and Onion Mix

Meaning: Extremely foul and sharp odor.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly as rotten eggs and onion mix.”
• “The alley smelled smelly as rotten eggs and onion mix.”
• “The trash bin smelled smelly as rotten eggs and onion mix.”
  Other Ways to Say: Rancid, Foul

36. Smelly Like Stale Bread

Meaning: Musty, old smell.
Examples:

• “The pantry smelled smelly like stale bread.”
• “The cupboard smelled smelly like stale bread.”
• “Her backpack smelled smelly like stale bread.”
  Other Ways to Say: Mildewy, Musty

37. Smelly as a Rotten Shoe

Meaning: Strong odor from old footwear.
Examples:

• “His gym shoes smelled smelly as a rotten shoe.”
• “The locker smelled smelly as a rotten shoe.”
• “The closet smelled smelly as a rotten shoe.”
  Other Ways to Say: Stinky, Foul

38. Smelly Like a Dead Rat

Meaning: Extremely pungent, decaying smell.
Examples:

• “The attic smelled smelly like a dead rat.”
• “The basement smelled smelly like a dead rat.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like a dead rat.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

39. Smelly as Dirty Water

Meaning: Stale, unclean odor.
Examples:

• “The puddle smelled smelly as dirty water.”
• “The bucket smelled smelly as dirty water.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly as dirty water.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Stale

40. Smelly Like Rotten Leaves

Meaning: Earthy, decayed smell.
Examples:

• “The forest smelled smelly like rotten leaves.”
• “The backyard smelled smelly like rotten leaves.”
• “The compost smelled smelly like rotten leaves.”
  Other Ways to Say: Earthy, Decayed

41. Smelly as a Rotten Fish Market

Meaning: Overpowering, pungent, decaying smell of seafood.
Examples:

• “The dock smelled smelly as a rotten fish market.”
• “The alley behind the restaurant smelled smelly as a rotten fish market.”
• “His kitchen smelled smelly as a rotten fish market after the fish delivery.”
  Other Ways to Say: Fishy, Overpowering

42. Smelly Like a Garbage Heap

Meaning: Strong, unpleasant odor from accumulated trash.
Examples:

• “The backyard smelled smelly like a garbage heap.”
• “The street smelled smelly like a garbage heap in summer.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like a garbage heap.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

43. Smelly as a Locker Room Towel

Meaning: Musty, sweaty odor from used fabrics.
Examples:

• “The towel smelled smelly as a locker room towel.”
• “The gym smelled smelly as a locker room towel.”
• “His backpack smelled smelly as a locker room towel.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Sweat-stinky

44. Smelly Like a Rotten Egg and Cheese Mix

Meaning: Extremely pungent and sharp odor.
Examples:

• “The fridge smelled smelly like a rotten egg and cheese mix.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like a rotten egg and cheese mix.”
• “The trash smelled smelly like a rotten egg and cheese mix.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Overpowering

45. Smelly as a Sewage Drain

Meaning: Foul odor from waste and decay.
Examples:

• “The street smelled smelly as a sewage drain.”
• “The alley smelled smelly as a sewage drain.”
• “The basement smelled smelly as a sewage drain.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul-smelling

46. Smelly Like Stale Urine

Meaning: Very strong, sharp, unpleasant odor.
Examples:

• “The bathroom smelled smelly like stale urine.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like stale urine.”
• “The old shoes smelled smelly like stale urine.”
  Other Ways to Say: Nauseating, Foul

47. Smelly as a Decayed Barnyard

Meaning: Strong, earthy, foul smell from animals.
Examples:

• “The farm smelled smelly as a decayed barnyard.”
• “The barn smelled smelly as a decayed barnyard.”
• “The backyard smelled smelly as a decayed barnyard.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul, Animal-smelling

48. Smelly Like a Rotten Tomato

Meaning: Sour, decaying odor.
Examples:

• “The trash smelled smelly like a rotten tomato.”
• “The kitchen smelled smelly like a rotten tomato.”
• “The compost smelled smelly like a rotten tomato.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Sour

49. Smelly as a Wet Garbage Bag

Meaning: Musty, overpowering, unpleasant smell.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly as a wet garbage bag.”
• “The alley smelled smelly as a wet garbage bag.”
• “The trash bin smelled smelly as a wet garbage bag.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul, Pungent

50. Smelly Like a Stale Bathroom

Meaning: Musty, unclean odor.
Examples:

• “The restroom smelled smelly like a stale bathroom.”
• “The locker room smelled smelly like a stale bathroom.”
• “The cabin smelled smelly like a stale bathroom.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Unpleasant

51. Smelly as a Rotten Onion and Fish Mix

Meaning: Extremely strong, nauseating smell.
Examples:

• “The alley smelled smelly as a rotten onion and fish mix.”
• “The bin smelled smelly as a rotten onion and fish mix.”
• “The fridge smelled smelly as a rotten onion and fish mix.”
  Other Ways to Say: Overpowering, Foul

52. Smelly Like Old Cheese and Garlic

Meaning: Pungent, lingering odor.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly like old cheese and garlic.”
• “The backpack smelled smelly like old cheese and garlic.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like old cheese and garlic.”
  Other Ways to Say: Strong-smelling, Pungent

53. Smelly as a Rotten Fruit Basket

Meaning: Decaying, sour odor from spoiled fruits.
Examples:

• “The kitchen smelled smelly as a rotten fruit basket.”
• “The compost smelled smelly as a rotten fruit basket.”
• “The bin smelled smelly as a rotten fruit basket.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

54. Smelly Like a Dirty Diaper

Meaning: Very unpleasant, often humorous odor.
Examples:

• “The baby’s diaper smelled smelly like a dirty diaper.”
• “The trash smelled smelly like a dirty diaper.”
• “The room smelled smelly like a dirty diaper.”
  Other Ways to Say: Nauseating, Foul-smelling

55. Smelly as Stale Beer

Meaning: Strong, sour, alcoholic odor.
Examples:

• “The pub smelled smelly as stale beer.”
• “The fridge smelled smelly as stale beer.”
• “The bar smelled smelly as stale beer.”
  Other Ways to Say: Pungent, Sour

56. Smelly Like Rotting Meat and Fish

Meaning: Extremely pungent, decaying odor.
Examples:

• “The alley smelled smelly like rotting meat and fish.”
• “The dumpster smelled smelly like rotting meat and fish.”
• “The market smelled smelly like rotting meat and fish.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Foul

57. Smelly as Stale Cigarette Smoke

Meaning: Lingering, unpleasant odor of smoke.
Examples:

• “The room smelled smelly as stale cigarette smoke.”
• “The clothes smelled smelly as stale cigarette smoke.”
• “The car smelled smelly as stale cigarette smoke.”
  Other Ways to Say: Musty, Lingering odor

58. Smelly Like a Dead Animal

Meaning: Extremely foul, decaying odor.
Examples:

• “The backyard smelled smelly like a dead animal.”
• “The alley smelled smelly like a dead animal.”
• “The attic smelled smelly like a dead animal.”
  Other Ways to Say: Putrid, Nauseating

59. Smelly as a Forgotten Lunch Box

Meaning: Strong, unpleasant odor from spoiled food.
Examples:

• “The backpack smelled smelly as a forgotten lunch box.”
• “The fridge smelled smelly as a forgotten lunch box.”
• “The classroom smelled smelly as a forgotten lunch box.”
  Other Ways to Say: Foul, Strong-smelling

60. Smelly Like Stale Socks in a Gym Bag

Meaning: Musty, sweaty, unpleasant odor.
Examples:

• “The gym bag smelled smelly like stale socks.”
• “His shoes smelled smelly like stale socks in a gym bag.”
• “The locker smelled smelly like stale socks in a gym bag.”
  Other Ways to Say: Sweaty, Musty

Conclusion:

Similes for smelly make your writing fun vivid and memorable. Instead of saying something just stinks you can say it smells like rotten eggs garbage wet dogs or even spoiled milk. These comparisons help readers imagine the intensity and type of door clearly.

Whether you’re writing a story a blog or describing something in real life using creative similes for smelly can make your language more expressive and engaging. With over similes provided here, you can capture every kind of foul door from playful and humorous to extreme and pungent.

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