incense 1 of 3

Definition of incensenext

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incense
Noun
The brightness of the lychee and headiness of the jasmine is what drew me in initially, but the incense note is what keeps me coming back for more. Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 31 Mar. 2026 They are advised to keep windows and doors closed, avoid burning candles, incense, and indoor fires or log burners, and use air purifiers or filters to circulate clean air. Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
On the other hand, the Department of Justice redacted the names of several people who are not survivors -- incensing not only members of Congress but also survivors of Epstein's crimes who charge that the administration is engaged in a cover-up. John Parkinson, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 The dynamic has incensed Democrats, who have largely come out against the war, and led a handful of Republicans to raise questions. Garrett Downs, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for incense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incense
Noun
  • My brother’s fiancée turned me on to these ones from Touchland, which not only have easy-pump spray applicators, but are enriched with nourishing aloe vera and sweet scents like watermelon and peach.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Now researchers have found that these clumps give off a distinctly floral scent—making the larvae the first animal known to mimic a flower’s smell.
    Chris Simms, Scientific American, 12 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The parathas, as the savory flatbreads are called, stuffed with onion and paneer and coated with a generous amount of butter, are as delicious as ever.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 11 Apr. 2026
  • While not technically a lunch spot, popping by this French-Asian bakery on Duke Street for a slice of their honey butter toast is always a good idea.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Now, the retailer's area has better signage and is situated with the rest of the beauty products and fragrances, leading sales to jump 40% between 2023 and 2024 at NEX Oceana.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Ryan Baker, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The syringa is nicknamed mock orange because the sweet fragrance of its white flowers are similar to the scent of orange blossoms.
    Bruce Whiting, Idaho Statesman, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Colfer earned praise and a Golden Globe award for his sensitive portrayal of Kurt's journey, which included several timely bullying storylines.
    James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Sanoja said hearing that praise from Suarez, a two-time All-Star, was a confidence booster for him.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The flavors and aromas of almond extract resemble marzipan more than raw nuts.
    Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Channel catfish rely on scent, and they are attracted to salty, sweet, and pungent aromas.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Our actual political landscape, in which government officials are adding journalists to top-secret group chats or running around in wrong-sized shoes as a form of flattery, has too far superseded anything even the most cutting jokester could ever have dreamed up.
    Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
  • But if online flattery is an accurate indicator, more Goodness Land would be a gift to Mediterranean food aficionados in the neighborhood.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His auction record was set in 2009 with the Christie’s sale of Belle Haleine – Eau De Voilette (Beautiful Breath – Veil Water), a 1921 sculpture in which a perfume bottle is covered in a label referring to Rrose Sélavy, Duchamp’s female alter ego.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 13 Apr. 2026
  • An office may ask that employees not wear perfume that bothers their colleagues.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For dessert, head straight to Jenkinson’s Sweet Shop, which has been making confections like candy apples, fudge, and taffy since the early 20th century.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
  • The store also has some more traditional candy and a large assortment of taffy.
    Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 19 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incense. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster