scent 1 of 2

Definition of scentnext

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
One animal may communicate through scent, another through movement, and a third through sound. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026 The shimmer catches the light in all the right places—think collarbones, shoulders, and shins—while the summery scent options evoke beach days with notes like coconut, sunflower, and pineapple. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 June 2026
Verb
This year, brands are betting big on banana, scenting their latest launches with the distinctly sweet and utterly nostalgic aroma in time for the hot season ahead. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026 The sweet breads and pastries, scented with saffron, orange blossom water or baking spices, are in a case around the corner to the left. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for scent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent
Noun
  • Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood and musk are the workhorse notes for fragrances meant to soothe, and lavender in particular has a deep evidence base.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026
  • Lush Perfumer Alina Gilwinska told Byrdie that citrus is one of her favorite mood boosting fragrance families.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Clearly, the smell of barbecue, the sound of music and the love of community and family lingered in him.
    Bobby J. Smith II, The Conversation, 18 June 2026
  • The colors, pains, pleasures, smells, tastes and sounds, the what-it’s-like of being conscious, are not private inner bits and blobs that philosophers call qualia, floating in a theatre of the mind.
    Andréa Morris, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Fresh lavender and lemon zest get rubbed into the sugar with your hands—a simple trick that perfumes the blueberry-peach filling with floral, citrusy notes.
    Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
  • To Curaçao, where the air was perfumed with dama di anochi blossoms and the night was navy blue.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • The look of sheer repressed, stymied rage/laughter on Raph’s face when Paul sniffs the Oreos instead is one of the episode’s biggest laughs.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 16 June 2026
  • The network is also set up to sniff out other viruses of recent concern.
    Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Odd to be so close without sensing the pain in my body.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 June 2026
  • Researchers trained the sensing system using more than 12,000 data samples collected during 157 cutting motions.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Bold aromas of black cherry, espresso bean, and nutmeg give way to sublime flavors of cassis, charcuterie, and freshly ground nutmeg wrapped in a sheath of feathery tannins.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 17 June 2026
  • For anyone who has ever been stopped in their tracks by a familiar aroma, here’s what scientists and physicians say is actually happening and why scent deserves more credit as a memory tool than most people give it.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The relaxed silhouette has the same easygoing feel, and the floral print adds personality without feeling unwearable.
    Mia McManus, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • The watershed decision triggered a period of political instability and economic upheaval that is still being felt a decade later.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The controversial diplomatic breakthrough poses a quandary for Vance, whose aides see Rubio as his most viable challenger for the Republican presidential nomination should the secretary choose to run.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • She was last seen Thursday night in surveillance footage walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scent. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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