scent 1 of 2

scent

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to perfume
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance fancy bars of soap scented with lavender

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smell
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose the dog scented a rabbit and suddenly took off

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scent are fragrance, perfume, and redolence. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

When might fragrance be a better fit than scent?

While in some cases nearly identical to scent, fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

Where would perfume be a reasonable alternative to scent?

The meanings of perfume and scent largely overlap; however, perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

When is it sensible to use redolence instead of scent?

In some situations, the words redolence and scent are roughly equivalent. However, redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of scent
Noun
Just remember to apply the heavier scent first and let Golden Rule be the finishing touch. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025 The scents are typically designed to smell soothing and sophisticated. Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
Keepers here only ever interact with their animal charges while dressed in full-body panda outfits, carefully scented with panda urine or feces. Nectar Gan, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 It’s scented by hand with phthalate-free, fine fragrance oils. Joan Oleck, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for scent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent
Noun
  • Create ‘The White Lotus’ Fantasy At Home Nest New York has also embraced the show’s aesthetic with a thematic cucumber and white sage candle, featuring fragrance notes of cucumber, white sage and lavender.
    Pooja Shah, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
  • Priced at $99 for 50ml, Golden Rule stands strong among luxury fragrances without the luxury price tag.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • So Customers Can Interact With Your Brand A creative non-digital idea is a pop-up sensory experience where customers can interact with the brand through touch, smell, taste or sound.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
  • On the website Vet Explains Pets, Dr. Jess Kirk said that because of their heightened sense of smell, dogs may be able to sense hormonal changes during pregnancy.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But oh, does Sorrentino know how to apply liberal splashes of visual lushness to this pretty fashion plate of a movie that’s perfumed like one of those ads in a magazine.
    Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Each order is wrapped in a red pouch and perfumed with Guerlain’s Habit Rouge.
    Denny Lee, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Copeland had recently retired from two decades of service in the Air Force, most of that time in canine units, running kennels and training dogs to sniff out narcotics and explosives, among other tasks.
    Andrea Hsu, NPR, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Asked whether moving Wade to the outfield could allow the Giants to get another left-handed hitter into the lineup at first base, Melvin sniffed the subtext of the question.
    Andrew Baggarly, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The vehicle is also sensing the motion of the moon, Tim Crain, IM’s chief technology officer, said.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Perhaps sensing a slight power shift in the direction of on-the-outs Mitch and Charity, the Civa fearsome foursome alliance sprung into action on an idol hunt.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His take, the curry shrimp burger, brings the bold aromas of herbs and Scotch bonnet peppers to a shrimp patty served on a warm brioche bun and topped with a mango pickled slaw, arugula, and a signature curry mango aioli.
    Jessica Fields, Essence, 21 Feb. 2025
  • The sprays use essential oils to create nuanced aromas inspired by dreamy settings and are designed to fragrance rooms, sheets, and even cars.
    Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Older individuals are more likely to inhale food or liquid into their lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia.
    Katia Hetter, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to facing unbearable losses, both had also unknowingly inhaled toxic debris that would spark a series of debilitating illnesses.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • All three of those Grizzlies defeats were decided in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, but the loss of Jackson will be the one that’s felt the most.
    William Guillory, The Athletic, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The collection features 24 pieces that feel upscale, timeless, and fresh—all with a true-to-its-DNA Tommy Americana twist.
    Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scent. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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