musk

noun

Definition of musknext
as in scent
a strong-smelling substance used in perfume

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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 musk After so many oud explorations, Maison Crivelli turns inward with a musk—though this one has every bit the presence as its infamous woody scents. — Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 In this expression, grapes first ferment on their skins for a few weeks—long enough to introduce a gentle musk to its intense notes of Meyer lemon and bright salinity. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 June 2026 Lavender, vanilla, sandalwood and musk are the workhorse notes for fragrances meant to soothe, and lavender in particular has a deep evidence base. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 17 June 2026 The smell of sweet milk hung in the air, mixed with the earthy musk of manure. — CNN Money, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for musk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for musk
  1. scent
  2. incense
  3. perfume
  4. fragrance
  5. sniff
  6. whiff
  7. smell
  8. odor
Noun
  • Also known as fragrance stacking, layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • The British Museum’s collection of South Arabian artifacts indeed includes incense burners, tablets, altars and other ancient items that could be the ones referred to by the Yemen Authority.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 July 2026
  • Also represented are smaller artifacts, including beads, amulets, and incense burners.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026
Definition of incense
Noun
  • Speaking of non-traditional perfumes, Juliette Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume is iconic in this category.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
  • Lahmine notes that activities range depending on interests, from cooking classes with local women, to weaving, pottery or drum-making classes, to even creating your own personalized perfume.
    — Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of perfume
Noun
  • Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
  • The fragrances are noticeable after immediate wear and reduce with time to gradually blend with the natural scent of your hair.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • But to play two knockout matches without conceding even a sniff of a chance is hugely impressive — especially considering Deschamps hasn’t compromised on his unusually daring approach of using four proper attackers.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 10 July 2026
  • Upon first sniff, each of the four scent additions reminded me of something from childhood.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 July 2026
Definition of sniff
Noun
  • There’s not even a whiff of the clinical at this legendary health resort.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
  • Though this weekly series will always be forward looking, and mistakes are inherently par for the course, last week's whiff on the Athletics' Max Muncy is still stuck in my craw.
    — John Laghezza, New York Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of whiff
Noun
  • The smells are as intense as the colors of the tomatoes, strawberries, and lettuce from nearby farms.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Your sense of smell is wired directly to areas of the brain that regulate pain and alertness, which is why certain fragrances can trigger headaches in sensitive people.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 July 2026
Definition of smell
Noun
  • Those odors coming from the warehouse fire in Boyle Heights aren’t the odors of sanctity.
    — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026
  • Clean Your Washing Machine Front-loading washers can develop smelly odors from mold and mildew growth caused by detergent and fabric softener residue and body soil left inside the washer drum and rubber door seals.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 July 2026
Definition of odor

Browse Nearby Words

musing (upon)
musk
muskeg
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Cite this Entry

“Musk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/musk. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on musk

Nglish: Translation of musk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about musk

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