How does the noun fragrance differ from other similar words?
Some common synonyms of fragrance are perfume, redolence, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.
the fragrance of pine
When can perfume be used instead of fragrance?
While the synonyms perfume and fragrance are close in meaning, perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.
the perfume of lilacs
When might redolence be a better fit than fragrance?
The synonyms redolence and fragrance are sometimes interchangeable, but redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.
the redolence of a forest after a rain
How do scent and perfume relate to one another, in the sense of fragrance?
Scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.
scent-free soaps
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fragranceThe model, 28, took to Instagram on June 17 to tease a future product offering from her fragrance line, Orebella: a collaboration between her and friends Devon Lee and Sydney Carlson for Wildflower Cases.—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 20 June 2025 The room, which will only welcome 15 people at a time, is scented with a special fragrance created by perfumer Frédéric Malle.—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 18 June 2025 The 5 Best Pruning Shears Our Editors Recommend 01 of 10
Abelia
Famed for their summer blooming flowers and delicate fragrance, abelias are often planted in pollinator habitats to attract bees and hummingbirds.—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025 Below, see some of the best face and body sunscreens, hair care, fragrances, hair tools and sun care products on sale for up to 50 percent off at Nordstrom, and shop the full beauty blowout here.—Danielle Directo-Meston, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragrance
Natural vapors coming from trees, like the monoterpenes that give pine trees their scent, produce aerosols and thus low-lying clouds that hover above forests.
—
Max G. Levy,
Smithsonian Magazine,
26 June 2025
After a shower at the gym, this is my favorite scent to put on.
It’s often used in manufacturing to make perfumes, dyes, and cosmetics.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
26 June 2025
Phthalates, which are found in consumer products such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume and children’s toys, may have contributed to more than 13% of all global mortality from heart disease in 2018 among men and women ages 55 through 64, according to an April study.
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