Synonyms of scent

scent 1 of 2

noun

ˈsent 

1

as in fragrance

a sweet or pleasant smell

the delightful scent of her perfume

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fragrance
• aroma
• fragrancy
• perfume
• balm
• incense
• bouquet
• attar
• spice
• redolence
• essence
• odor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• malodor
• fetor

2

as in smell

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose

dogs are able to detect scents that are far below the threshold detectable by the human nose

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smell
• aroma
• fragrance
• stench
• sniff
• odor
• perfume
• redolence
• fragrancy
• whiff
• attar
• musk
• bouquet
• rankness
• malodor
• spice
• funk
• stink
• lusciousness
• fetor
• tang
• rancidity
• incense
• reek
• savor
• ambrosia
• foulness
• aromaticity
• savoriness
• gaminess
• fetidness
• acridness
• noisomeness
• odorousness
• odoriferousness

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

• perfume
• incense
• odorize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deodorize
• stink up

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

• smell
• sniff
• inhale
• whiff
• snuff
• nose
• drink (in)
• breathe
• respire
• snort
• savor
• snuffle

3

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of

he scented danger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sense
• smell
• feel
• see
• taste
• notice
• hear
• perceive
• sight
• expect
• realize
• look (at)
• note
• eye
• anticipate
• discover
• divine
• discern
• remark
• view
• witness
• learn
• suspect
• ascertain
• distinguish
• find out
• guess
• spy
• foresee
• observe
• behold
• regard
• suppose
• espy
• descry
• presume
• catch on (to)
• assume
• speculate
• surmise
• foreknow
• conjecture

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

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

Recent Examples of scent

Noun

Having grown up in Kiryat Malachi, Israel, in a family with deep roots in Iraq and Tunisia, Cohen remembers these powerful scents filling family cooking areas. —Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026

Stripping audiences of their sight, the production toys with the fear of anticipation, using light touch and scent to deliver its narrative. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026

Verb

That is his uncanny ability to scent the direction in which the culture is headed. —Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026

The warming spices of paprika, cumin and chili powder are used to scent the sauce and give it depth and complexity. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026