incense 1 of 3

noun

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
Definition of incensenext
1
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell the heavenly incense of spring flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in-ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
as in to anger
to make angry the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
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

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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
My mind drifted to the old knife-maker’s tiny shop, with its smell of incense and steel. — Literary Hub, 20 July 2026 Most scented candles and incense release chemicals while burning that can harm little lungs. — Dr. Lauren Zajac, Boston Herald, 19 July 2026
Verb
It was incensed because cancelling the exhibition put every arts organization receiving even indirect government funding on notice. — Louis Menand, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 Egypt was also incensed that a challenge on Mohamed Salah was not penalized moments before Argentina launched the move that produced the winning goal. — Reuters, NBC news, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incense
  1. scent
  2. praise
  3. anger
  4. perfume
  5. fragrance
  6. flattery
  7. infuriate
  8. aroma
Noun
  • The thoughtful reformulation modernizes the scent with a crisper citrus top note, a mossier base, and improved longevity.
    — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The flies also spent far more time loitering outside the plume than inside it, even though nearly all their forward progress toward the source happened during those brief dips into the scent.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Caminero has also demonstrated improved plate discipline in 2026, earning praise from manager Kevin Cash for his selective approach.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That praise for Legette isn’t based on his performance Friday, which admittedly wasn’t nearly as splashy as previous training camp practices have been from him.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • The receptionist angers Kripke and Bert so much that they are picked up by the police — along with Stuart, who had also been arrested.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The strategy has also angered China, which has demanded that Manila rein in the Coast Guard spokesman who leads it.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of anger
Verb
  • Butterflies are drawn to the small, white flowers that cover plants in spring, perfuming the garden with their sweet fragrance.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 July 2026
  • It’s served in a colorful goblet with a stick of fragrant palo santo, which your server will light to perfume the drink before your first sip.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of perfume
Noun
  • Dior’s men’s fragrance business revolves around two modern pillars—Sauvage and Homme—and the prolific Kurkdjian thinks about the two pillars as neighboring territories.
    — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, there are twelve notes (to be specific), all handpicked by master perfumer and fragrance expert Jérôme Epinette capturing a range of floral, fruity, and earthy.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Three Practical Moves To Create Accountability Three habits convert a flattery machine into something more useful.
    — Samuel Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
  • While the purpose of the video may have been didactic, Jiang tried her hand at flattery.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026
Definition of flattery
Verb
  • Sami Zayn, who had recently lost the title, was visibly infuriated by Owens' unexpected return and victory, even injuring Owens' neck during the intense bout.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That infuriated Angels fans, of course, since their team has baseball’s longest playoff drought — 12 years, counting this one.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
Definition of infuriate
Noun
  • The texture is great, but the lack of flavor and aroma is unforgivable.
    — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • The whisky features aromas of vanilla, honey and citrus zest blended with fresh orchard fruits.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma

Browse Nearby Words

incendiary
incense
incensed
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Cite this Entry

“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incense. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Nglish: Translation of incense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incense

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