Synonyms of incense

incense 1 of 3

noun

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

1

as in scent

a sweet or pleasant smell

the heavenly incense of spring flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• fragrance
• aroma
• perfume
• fragrancy
• balm
• attar
• spice
• bouquet
• redolence
• essence
• odor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• fetor
• malodor

2

as in butter

excessive praise

count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• butter
• praise
• flattery
• taffy
• sweet talk
• adoration
• adulation
• worship
• soft soap
• acclaim
• flannel
• respects
• caresses
• blarney
• idolatry
• greetings
• overpraise
• compliments
• blandishments
• applause
• endearments
• regards
• congratulations
• allurements
• felicitations
• sycophancy
• cajolery
• fawning
• ingratiation
• toadying
• cajolement
• smarm
• commendation

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• depreciation
• disparagement
• detraction
• belittlement
• bad-mouthing
• put-down

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in-ˈsen(t)s 

as in to anger

to make angry

the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anger
• infuriate
• enrage
• outrage
• annoy
• irritate
• ire
• offend
• mad
• steam up
• rile
• inflame
• roil
• tick off
• madden
• rankle
• rub the wrong way
• provoke
• cross
• nettle
• aggravate
• huff
• ruffle
• affront
• get one's goat
• put out
• exasperate
• burn (up)
• peeve
• antagonize
• vex
• pique
• get
• miff
• envenom
• embitter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• please
• delight
• relieve
• gratify
• comfort
• allay
• assuage
• soothe
• console
• appease
• placate
• calm
• charm
• pacify
• quiet
• conciliate
• settle
• lull
• mollify
• disarm
• enchant
• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 

as in to scent

to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance

the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• perfume
• odorize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deodorize
• stink up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of incense

Noun

This sand painting, however, is set in plaster, and because of rules against open flames in galleries, the incense pot at the base holds a clay fire, wafting smoke made of cotton. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Smoky incense is still a source of meditative calm and comfort, but it’s made more transparent and wearable this season by pairing it with florals or creamier woods—more like a sunrise yoga class than an old-school church. — Loren Savini, Allure, 27 Oct. 2026

Verb

The governor’s words were very direct and, at points, incensed. — New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

But consumer advocacy, health, and environmental groups are incensed. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 28 Sep. 2026