Bad smells, often unwelcome yet undeniably potent, have the ability to transport us to different places and times, evoking strong reactions and memories. In this piece, we delve into 20 similes that vividly describe the nature of bad smells, each one painting a picture of their unmistakable and often overpowering presence.
Similes for Bad Smells
1. As Pungent as Rotten Eggs
Meaning: Strong and unpleasant
Example: The old cellar was as pungent as rotten eggs, a scent that wrinkled noses.
2. Like a Cloud of Exhaust Fumes
Meaning: Overpowering and toxic
Example: The factory air was like a cloud of exhaust fumes, choking and dense.
3. As Stifling as a Musty Closet
Meaning: Suffocating and old
Example: The attic room was as stifling as a musty closet, filled with the smell of forgotten things.
4. Like Garbage in the Sun
Meaning: Intense and decaying
Example: The alleyway reeked, like garbage in the sun, baking and festering.
5. As Sour as Spoiled Milk
Meaning: Unpleasantly acidic
Example: The fridge emitted a smell as sour as spoiled milk, turning stomachs.
6. Like a Swamp in Summer
Meaning: Damp and heavy
Example: The basement was damp, smelling like a swamp in summer, thick and earthy.
7. As Stagnant as Stale Water
Meaning: Old and unmoving
Example: The puddle on the street was as stagnant as stale water, a breeding ground for foul odors.
8. Like Burnt Rubber on Asphalt
Meaning: Harsh and acrid
Example: The air after the car skidded was like burnt rubber on asphalt, sharp and lingering.
9. As Repugnant as a Sewer
Meaning: Deeply unpleasant
Example: The drain outside was as repugnant as a sewer, a waft of unpleasantries with each breeze.
10. Like a Fish Market at Noon
Meaning: Fishy and strong
Example: The kitchen after cooking was like a fish market at noon, overwhelming and pungent.
11. As Choking as Smog
Meaning: Dense and suffocating
Example: The air pollution in the city was as choking as smog, filling the lungs with a foul taste.
12. Like Mildew in a Closed Room
Meaning: Musty and damp
Example: The old house smelled like mildew in a closed room, a lingering scent of dampness.
13. As Sickening as Spoiled Meat
Meaning: Revolting and nauseating
Example: The abandoned fridge was as sickening as spoiled meat, a smell that hit the stomach hard.
14. Like a Damp Dog in the Rain
Meaning: Wet and animal-like
Example: The wet carpet smelled like a damp dog in the rain, musky and strong.
15. As Overwhelming as Ammonia
Meaning: Sharp and penetrating
Example: The cleaning closet was as overwhelming as ammonia, a scent that stung the eyes.
16. Like Old Cheese in a Locker
Meaning: Pungent and lingering
Example: The gym bag was forgotten, now smelling like old cheese in a locker, strong and sour.
17. As Unpleasant as Rancid Butter
Meaning: Offensively stale
Example: The old pantry was as unpleasant as rancid butter, a scent of times gone bad.
18. Like a Skunk in the Night
Meaning: Distinct and potent
Example: The backyard was hit with a smell like a skunk in the night, unmistakable and sharp.
19. As Nauseating as Garbage Juice
Meaning: Deeply repulsive
Example: The dumpster leaked a scent as nauseating as garbage juice, a stomach-turning aroma.
20. Like Rotting Vegetables in a Bin
Meaning: Decomposing and organic
Example: The compost heap reeked like rotting vegetables in a bin, with a natural yet unpleasant odor.
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