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 of scent in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Heretic’s Nosferatu scent is available for purchase on the brand’s website beginning Oct. 31. —

Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 The collection scents include: • Green Bean Casserole – A rich, savory scent inspired by the classic casserole dish that Campbell’s debuted in 1955. —

Cheryl V. Jackson, The Courier-Journal, 29 Oct. 2024

Verb

Lightly scented with grapefruit and germanium, this rich yet quick-absorbing cream is laced with all the good stuff like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and shea butter, glossing over dry patches and uneven texture like a dream. —

Deanna Pai, Allure, 5 Aug. 2024 Around Des Moines, the perfume of lilacs scents the sidewalks. —

Karla Walsh, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for scent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent

Noun

Among the luxury boutiques at The Somerset Collection are Balenciaga, Chanel fragrance and beauty, Dior, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Saint Laurent and Versace.

Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 4 Nov. 2024
Customize the fragrance by adding a few drops of essential oils to the dryer balls to keep laundry smelling cleaner longer.

Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024