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

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

With 225 million scent receptors compared to a human's 5 million, their noses are a powerful tool in combating crime. —

Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025 Step onto its grounds, and you’re enveloped by the scent of native plants—palo de arco, torote, and agave—carefully cultivated to blend the lines between wild and landscaped. —

Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Verb

This magnesium body lotion from Neom, $41 at Nordstrom, is scented with notes of English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine and packs a big magnesium punch to relax you. —

Nora Colomer, Fox News, 30 Oct. 2024 Each is scented with decadent Cardamom Chestnut, which features notes of spicy black cardamom, roasted chestnuts, creamy vanilla, and warm woods. —

Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for scent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent

Noun

Dior is renowned for its cutting-edge skin care products and inspiring fragrances.

— Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
Like prior Cacharel fragrances, such as Anaïs Anaïs from 1978, Ella Ella has a repeating name.

— Jennifer Weil, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025