The term 'MAKES A STINK?' can be answered by two crossword solutions: ROTS (4 letters) and REEKS (5 letters). ROTS is a verb meaning to decay or decompose, usually referring to organic matter such as food or plants. It is often used in the phrase 'rotting away' to describe something that has been left to decay for a long period of time. REEKS is a verb meaning to emit a strong, unpleasant smell. It is often used to describe something that has been left to decay for a long period of time, and is often used in the phrase 'reeking of' to describe a strong, unpleasant smell.