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

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

Depending on the season, fields are filled with a variety of greens, cucumbers, eggplants, tomatoes and peppers, while herbs like basil, black sage, rosemary and marjoram perfume the gardens. —Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

Scroll to discover the best new perfumes of 2026, to date—there’s seven and counting, but we’re only just getting started. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2026

Verb

Savor the Spice Island with a visit to Belmont Estate, where cocoa tours and hands-on chocolate-making experiences are perfumed by acres of gardens planted with nutmeg and cinnamon. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

Markets brim with greens, citrus that perfumes the air and strawberries that’ll be a reminder of what they’re supposed to taste like. —Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026