Synonyms of perfume

perfume 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-ˌfyüm 

as in scent

a sweet or pleasant smell

the perfume of fresh flowers filled the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• malodor
• fetor

perfume

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm 

as in to scent

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

roses perfumed the wedding chapel

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• incense
• odorize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deodorize
• stink up

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun perfume differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perfume are fragrance, redolence, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

When would fragrance be a good substitute for perfume?

Although the words fragrance and perfume have much in common, fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

When could redolence be used to replace perfume?

In some situations, the words redolence and perfume are roughly equivalent. However, redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

How are the words scent and perfume related?

Scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perfume

Noun

It’s also multilayered, with 21 notes that let the perfume evolve on the wearer’s skin and clothes. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026

Each botanical is distilled separately before being blended together, a production technique that master distiller Steve Wilson has said was inspired by perfume (the design of the bottle follows suit). — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Verb

Part of the exhibit is interactive, including a recreation of a Mexican-American family home and the garlic that would perfume the foods of a typical meal. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026

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