Bad smells are hard to describe, but the right simile can instantly paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind 🤢✨. That’s why similes for bad smells are so powerful in writing, storytelling, poetry, and everyday conversation.
By comparing unpleasant odors to familiar experiences—like rotten eggs, garbage dumps, or spoiled food—you make your descriptions more vivid and engaging.
Whether you’re a student, writer, blogger, or English learner, learning creative similes helps improve expression and vocabulary 💡📚.
In this guide, you’ll discover 100+ similes for bad smells that range from funny to dramatic, making your language more colorful and memorable.
What Is a Simile and Why Use It?
Similes compare one thing to another to show characteristics in a lively way. For example, saying something smells “like rotten eggs” helps the reader instantly imagine that strong stench.
Using similes makes writing fun, descriptive, and memorable, especially for students learning expressive language skills.
1. Smells Like Rotten Eggs
Meaning: Extremely foul odor, like sulfur.
Example: The trash left in the sun smelled like rotten eggs.
Tip: Great simile for strong, sulfur‑like smells.
2. As Bad as a Garbage Dump
Meaning: Very disgusting smell, like a pile of trash.
Example: Her gym bag was as bad as a garbage dump.
Tip: Use this for large, gross smells.
3. Smells Like Rotten Vegetables
Meaning: Decaying, unpleasant scent.
Example: The fridge smelled like rotten vegetables after the power went out.
Tip: Good for food that went bad.
4. As Stinky as a Sewer
Meaning: Comparable to the foul odor of sewage.
Example: The bathroom was as stinky as a sewer.
Tip: For very strong, disgusting smells.
5. Smells Like Dead Fish
Meaning: Pungent, fish‑like stench.
Example: The old seafood in the sink smelled like dead fish.
Tip: Works best for fish‑related or strong ocean scents.
6. As Pungent as Old Cheese
Meaning: Sharp, strong odor like aged dairy.
Example: That cheese was as pungent as old cheese!
Tip: Can be used humorously.
7. Smells Like Burning Rubber
Meaning: Harsh, chemical smell.
Example: The tire rubbing on the road smelled like burning rubber.
Tip: Good for artificial, chemical scents.
8. As Stale as Old Bread
Meaning: Musty, old smell.
Example: The classroom smelled as stale as old bread.
Tip: Useful for dusty or closed‑in rooms.
9. Smells Like Rotting Meat
Meaning: Strong, decaying scent.
Example: The picnic cooler smelled like rotting meat.
Tip: For meat that has spoiled.
10. As Rank as a Locker Room
Meaning: Very bad, sweaty smell.
Example: After practice, the gym bag was as rank as a locker room.
Tip: Great for athletic or sweaty smells.
11. Smells Like Moldy Bread
Meaning: Earthy, musty odor.
Example: The basement smelled like moldy bread.
Tip: Perfect for damp, moldy spaces.
12. As Foul as a Dirty Diaper
Meaning: Strong, nasty smell.
Example: The trash can was as foul as a dirty diaper.
Tip: Common in kid writing.
13. Smells Like Sulfur
Meaning: Egg‑like rotten scent.
Example: The hot spring smelled like sulfur.
Tip: Good for natural bad smells.
14. As Horrid as a Skunk Spray
Meaning: Very sharp and terrible smell.
Example: The backyard smelled as horrid as a skunk spray.
Tip: Works for outdoor animal odors.
15. Smells Like Spoiled Milk
Meaning: Dairy gone bad.
Example: Her lunch smelled like spoiled milk.
Tip: Great for fridge mistakes.
16. As Terrible as Wet Dog
Meaning: Familiar, unpleasant smell.
Example: After the rain, the porch smelled as terrible as a wet dog.
Tip: Kids know this one well!
17. Smells Like Sweat Socks
Meaning: Strong, salty body odor.
Example: His socks smelled like sweat socks after practice.
Tip: For strong body odor.
18. As Disgusting as Old Fish Bait
Meaning: Foul fishy scent.
Example: The tackle box smelled as disgusting as old fish bait.
Tip: Great for outdoorsy writers.
19. Smells Like Trash in the Sun
Meaning: Intensely bad when heat worsens smell.
Example: The trash in the sun smelled like trash in the sun.
Tip: Use for compost or hot trash bins.
20. As Awful as Spoiled Eggs
Meaning: Classic strong bad smell.
Example: Her science experiment smelled as awful as spoiled eggs.
Tip: Great for dramatic writing.
21. Smells Like Old Gym Shoes
Meaning: Musky, sweaty odor.
Example: His sneakers smelled like old gym shoes.
Tip: Common school simile.
22. As Nasty as a Trash Heap
Meaning: Very unpleasant garbage smell.
Example: The alley was as nasty as a trash heap.
Tip: Useful for city scenes.
23. Smells Like Dead Leaves
Meaning: Earthy, decay scent.
Example: The garden smelled like dead leaves in fall.
Tip: Great for nature writing.
24. As Offensive as Rotten Fruit
Meaning: Fruit that has gone bad.
Example: The basket of apples was as offensive as rotten fruit.
Tip: Works for food and yard smells.
25. Smells Like Old Fish Market
Meaning: Lingering fishy odor.
Example: The pier smelled like an old fish market.
Tip: Good setting description.
26. As Revolting as Burnt Hair
Meaning: Sharp, unpleasant smell.
Example: The curling iron made her hair smell as revolting as burnt hair.
Tip: Use for beauty or kitchen mishaps.
27. Smells Like Trash After Rain
Meaning: Damp garbage odor.
Example: The yard smelled like trash after rain.
Tip: Adds weather detail.
28. As Putrid as a Dead Animal
Meaning: Extremely terrible smell.
Example: The garage smelled as putrid as a dead animal.
Tip: Strong simile, use carefully.
29. Smells Like Mildew
Meaning: Musty, wet‑cloth odor.
Example: The towel smelled like mildew.
Tip: Great for bathrooms and basements.
30. As Foul as Rotten Fish
Meaning: Intense fishy smell.
Example: The dock was as foul as rotten fish.
Tip: Works in outdoor scenes.
31. Smells Like stinky feet
Meaning: Strong foot odor.
Example: After soccer practice, his socks smelled like stinky feet.
Tip: Kids easily relate!
32. As Bad as Burnt Popcorn
Meaning: Bitter, smoky smell.
Example: The microwave burned popcorn, and the kitchen was as bad as burnt popcorn.
Tip: Perfect for kitchen smells.
33. Smells Like Dirty Water
Meaning: Grimy, unpleasant odor.
Example: The fountain smelled like dirty water.
Tip: Useful in outdoor descriptions.
34. As Gross as Old Cheese Under the Bed
Meaning: Hidden bad smell.
Example: The room was as gross as old cheese under the bed.
Tip: Funny and vivid.
35. Smells Like Rotten Apples
Meaning: Fruity decay scent.
Example: The orchard smelled like rotten apples.
Tip: Works with outdoor and food scenes.
36. As Deep as a City Dump
Meaning: Very strong trash smell.
Example: The alley was as deep as a city dump after trash day.
Tip: Use richly in writing.
37. Smells Like Sour Milk
Meaning: Sour dairy smell.
Example: The coffee tasted bad, and the kitchen smelled like sour milk.
Tip: Common house smell.
38. As Stenchy as a Locker
Meaning: Strong smell locked in small spaces.
Example: His locker was as stenchy as a locker after a long season.
Tip: Great school imagery.
39. Smells Like Rotten Grapes
Meaning: Vinegary, decayed smell.
Example: The bowl of grapes smelled like rotten grapes.
Tip: Use for fruit decay.
40. As Rank as Roadkill
Meaning: Strong decomposing smell.
Example: The roadside was as rank as roadkill.
Tip: Age‑appropriate with guidance.
41. Smells Like Grease and Oil
Meaning: Heavy, mechanical odor.
Example: The garage smelled like grease and oil.
Tip: Great for auto shop scenes.
42. As Foul as Leftovers Gone Bad
Meaning: Spoiled food smell.
Example: The fridge was as foul as leftovers gone bad.
Tip: Everyday household use.
43. Smells Like Old Socks in July
Meaning: Hot, sweaty odor.
Example: It was so hot that his shoes smelled like old socks in July.
Tip: Seasonal simile.
44. As Gasful as a Fuel Spill
Meaning: Strong gasoline smell.
Example: The ground smelled as gasful as a fuel spill.
Tip: Good for adventure or environmental scenes.
45. Smells Like Rotten Cabbage
Meaning: Sulfuric, vegetable decay.
Example: The stew smelled like rotten cabbage.
Tip: Use in food descriptions.
46. As Yucky as Sweaty Sneakers
Meaning: Unpleasant shoe odor.
Example: His sneakers were as yucky as sweaty sneakers.
Tip: Kids know this smell well.
47. Smells Like Dumpster After Rain
Meaning: Enhanced trash smell.
Example: The alley smelled like a dumpster after rain.
Tip: Atmospheric detail.
48. As Terrible as a Chicken Coop Left Open
Meaning: Strong barnyard smell.
Example: The yard was as terrible as a chicken coop left open.
Tip: Fun farm simile.
49. Smells Like Rotting Bananas
Meaning: Sweet but gross decay scent.
Example: The fruit bowl smelled like rotting bananas.
Tip: Great for fruit scenes.
50. As Foul as Aged Fish
Meaning: Very fishy smell.
Example: The bucket was as foul as aged fish.
Tip: Descriptive outdoor writing.
51. Smells Like Burning Food
Meaning: Charred aroma.
Example: The kitchen smelled like burning food.
Tip: Everyone can picture this one.
52. As Rotten as a Forgotten Lunch
Meaning: Bad smell from old food.
Example: His backpack was as rotten as a forgotten lunch.
Tip: Common school scenario.
53. Smells Like Sewage
Meaning: Strong waste odor.
Example: The park smelled like sewage near the drain.
Tip: Use carefully and appropriately.
54. As Stinky as Old Cheese in the Sun
Meaning: Amplified cheesy smell.
Example: The picnic was as stinky as old cheese in the sun.
Tip: Fun descriptive detail.
55. Smells Like Garbage Uncollected for Days
Meaning: Extreme trash odor.
Example: The alley smelled like garbage uncollected for days.
Tip: Long‑lasting gross smell.
56. As Nauseating as Rotten Eggs in Heat
Meaning: Harsh sulfur smell.
Example: The kitchen was as nauseating as rotten eggs in heat.
Tip: Strong sensory simile.
57. Smells Like Rancid Butter
Meaning: Fat gone bad scent.
Example: The baking mix smelled like rancid butter.
Tip: Great for cooking story details.
58. As Smelly as a Compost Pile
Meaning: Earthy, decaying organic matter.
Example: The backyard was as smelly as a compost pile.
Tip: Good for nature settings.
59. Smells Like Rotten Seafood
Meaning: Strong fishy seafood odor.
Example: The pier smelled like rotten seafood.
Tip: Adds realism to seaside scenes.
60. As Foul as Old Gym Clothes
Meaning: Strong body odor.
Example: The laundry basket was as foul as old gym clothes.
Tip: Everyday relatable simile.
61. Smells Like Mildewed Towels
Meaning: Damp, musty odor.
Example: The towels smelled like mildewed towels.
Tip: Good for bathrooms.
62. As Stinky as Trash on a Hot Day
Meaning: Heat‑intensified odor.
Example: The park picnic area was as stinky as trash on a hot day.
Tip: Weather detail enriches description.
63. Smells Like Funky Cheese
Meaning: Strong, unusual cheese smell.
Example: The fridge had smelled like funky cheese all week.
Tip: Use for quirky descriptions.
64. As Revolting as Rotten Seafood
Meaning: Very disgusting sea smell.
Example: The dock was as revolting as rotten seafood.
Tip: Perfect for ocean scenes.
65. Smells Like Trash Left Overnight
Meaning: Enhanced decomposition odor.
Example: The bin smelled like trash left overnight.
Tip: Simple everyday simile.
66. As Horrible as Stagnant Water
Meaning: Wet, musty scent.
Example: The pond was as horrible as stagnant water after rain.
Tip: Great for outdoor writing.
67. Smells Like Rotten Onions
Meaning: Strong vegetable decay.
Example: The kitchen smelled like rotten onions.
Tip: Works in cooking contexts.
68. As Foul as Garbage Juice
Meaning: Strong liquid trash smell.
Example: The alley smelled as foul as garbage juice.
Tip: Vivid sensory detail.
69. Smells Like A Dead Rat
Meaning: Very strong decomposition odor.
Example: The attic smelled like a dead rat.
Tip: Use carefully with guidance.
70. As Smelly as Spoiled Food
Meaning: Gross food odor.
Example: That lunch was as smelly as spoiled food left out all day.
Tip: Great for general food smells.
71. Smells Like Garbage Mixed With Fish
Meaning: Combined foul scents.
Example: The alley smelled like garbage mixed with fish.
Tip: For layered descriptions.
72. As Awful as Oily Rags Left in Sun
Meaning: Strong chemical and oil smell.
Example: The garage was as awful as oily rags left in sun.
Tip: Good for workshop scenes.
73. Smells Like Old Gym Mats
Meaning: Musty, sweaty closure.
Example: The gym smelled like old gym mats.
Tip: Great school description.
74. As Disgusting as Roadside Trash
Meaning: Gross roadside odor.
Example: The bus stop was as disgusting as roadside trash.
Tip: Urban settings.
75. Smells Like Burnt Food at a Party
Meaning: Unpleasant kitchen smell.
Example: The party smelled like burnt food at a party.
Tip: Fun social setting simile.
76. As Bad as Extra Rotten Eggs
Meaning: Intensified egg smell.
Example: After the science lab experiment, the room was as bad as extra rotten eggs.
Tip: Classroom writing.
77. Smells Like Wet Garbage
Meaning: Damp, decaying trash odor.
Example: The alley smelled like wet garbage after rain.
Tip: Atmospheric description.
78. As Foul as Forgotten Lunch in Backpack
Meaning: Strong, backed‑up food smell.
Example: His backpack was as foul as a forgotten lunch.
Tip: Common kid scenario.
79. Smells Like Stale Cheese
Meaning: Aged, unpleasant dairy smell.
Example: The fridge smelled like stale cheese.
Tip: Simple food simile.
80. As Nasty as a Closed‑Up Room
Meaning: Musty, stale air.
Example: The attic was as nasty as a closed‑up room.
Tip: Perfect for dusty places.
81. Smells Like Smelly Fish Bones
Meaning: Fishy, lingering odor.
Example: The trash smelled like smelly fish bones.
Tip: Use for detail.
82. As Smelly as Overripe Fruit
Meaning: Sweet but gross decay.
Example: The basket was as smelly as overripe fruit.
Tip: Good food imagery.
83. Smells Like Funky Trash Juice
Meaning: Wet trash smell.
Example: The alley smelled like funky trash juice after rain.
Tip: Vivid description.
84. As Gross as Old Footwear Left in Heat
Meaning: Intense sweaty smell.
Example: The shoes were as gross as old footwear left in heat.
Tip: Relatable in summer.
85. Smells Like Burnt Rubber Tires
Meaning: Sharp, chemical odor.
Example: The track smelled like burnt rubber tires.
Tip: Great for racing scenes.
86. As Foul as Forgotten Leftovers
Meaning: Bad food smell.
Example: The fridge was as foul as forgotten leftovers.
Tip: Everyday simile.
87. Smells Like A Pile of Dirty Laundry
Meaning: Mixed body odors.
Example: The hamper smelled like a pile of dirty laundry.
Tip: Simple home scenario.
88. As Stinky as a Wet Dog in a Car
Meaning: Strong mixed smells.
Example: The car was as stinky as a wet dog in a car.
Tip: Fun family writing.
89. Smells Like Old Fish Scales
Meaning: Lingering fish scent.
Example: The dock smelled like old fish scales.
Tip: Specific outdoor imagery.
90. As Revolting as Burnt Dinner
Meaning: Kitchen disaster smell.
Example: The house was as revolting as burnt dinner.
Tip: Cooking story.
91. Smells Like Wet Cardboard Left Outside
Meaning: Musty, damp odor.
Example: The porch smelled like wet cardboard left outside.
Tip: Environmental detail.
92. As Foul as a Trash Bag Torn Open
Meaning: Sharp garbage smell.
Example: The street smelled as foul as a trash bag torn open.
Tip: Useful in city scenes.
93. Smells Like Old Dog Food
Meaning: Pet food gone bad.
Example: The bowl smelled like old dog food.
Tip: Good for pet owners.
94. As Rank as a Stale Gym Locker
Meaning: Powerful stale scent.
Example: The locker room was as rank as a stale gym locker.
Tip: Great school imagery.
95. Smells Like Rotten Peaches
Meaning: Sweet fruit decay.
Example: The orchard smelled like rotten peaches.
Tip: Nature writing.
96. As Bad as Burnt Hair in the Oven
Meaning: Harsh smell.
Example: The kitchen was as bad as burnt hair in the oven.
Tip: For cooking mishaps.
97. Smells Like Sewer Gas
Meaning: Strong sulfur/waste scent.
Example: The alley smelled like sewer gas.
Tip: For rough outdoor descriptions.
98. As Foul as Moldy Towels in Laundry
Meaning: Musty laundry odor.
Example: The room smelled as foul as moldy towels in laundry.
Tip: Everyday simile.
99. Smells Like Old Garbage Left Too Long
Meaning: Intensified trash odor.
Example: The alley smelled like old garbage left too long.
Tip: Perfect for setting descriptions.
100. As Nasty as A Forgotten Lunch Under the Bed
Meaning: Hidden, bad lingering smell.
Example: The room was as nasty as a forgotten lunch under the bed.
Tip: Use humorously.
101. Smells Like Campfire Ashes and Sweat
Meaning: Mixed smoky and body odor.
Example: The campsite smelled like campfire ashes and sweat.
Tip: Great for outdoor scenes.
Conclusion
Similes for bad smells add life, humor, and clarity to your writing 🤯✍️. Instead of simply saying something “smells bad,” a strong simile allows readers to feel the odor through imagination.
From playful comparisons to intense descriptions, these similes work perfectly in essays, stories, poems, and daily speech.
Using vivid language not only improves communication but also shows creativity and confidence in English 🌟📖.
Whether you want to sound funny, dramatic, or descriptive, the right simile makes all the difference.
Keep practicing these comparisons, and your writing will become more expressive, engaging, and unforgettable 🚀✨.
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