SCENT Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

scent 1 of 2

noun

ˈsent

Definition of scent next

as in fragrance

a sweet or pleasant smell the delightful scent of her perfume

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

scent

2 of 2

verb

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

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

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of he scented danger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Examples 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

Guests can use an iPad to set mood lighting, change the scent of the room and control the temperature, allowing all visitors to get that perfect first night’s rest. —

Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 The Fenty Hair signature scent is a warm and cozy combination of amber, floral, and vanilla sandalwood notes. —

Monique Wilson, Glamour, 16 Dec. 2024

Verb

These dissolving disks of lavender mingle with steam to scent your shower and bring on the relaxation. —

Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024 Gusto Bread’s Pan de Muerto Arturo Enciso of Gusto Bread makes these fluffy sweet breads, scented with orange zest and fennel, for celebrating Día de Muertos at his bakery in Long Beach. —

Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent

Noun

Adding to the ritual is its compelling fragrance of jujube and lotus flower, and the elegant packaging is made of cardboard and contains no plastic.

Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging.

Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 22 Dec. 2024