perfume 1 of 2

as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell the perfume of fresh flowers filled the room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perfume

2 of 2

verb

as in to scent
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance roses perfumed the wedding chapel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 perfume
Noun
No perfume or makeup helps a 2-6 record look great. Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025 Amazon has your favorite classic colognes and perfumes on sale right now. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
With showy wine-red blossoms that perfume the garden with the distinctive aromas of chocolate and vanilla from mid-summer through fall, chocolate cosmos entices butterflies and curious gardeners alike. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025 Hot and humid climates will soon be replaced by cool and crisp temps, Halloween paraphernalia will line department store shelves and the smell of pumpkin spice has already begun to perfume the air. Roshae Hemmings, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume
Noun
  • Subtle hints of vanilla bean and cocoa add sweetness and balance to the scent profile, and its black jar goes with just about anything.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • This partnership comes a few weeks after DedCool, best known for its detergent line, released incense in all three cult-favorite scents.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Made in collaboration with Givaudan’s Custom Essence and manufactured in Italy, the fragrance is priced at $75 for a 20-ml bottle that fits in the palm of a hand.
    Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The fragrance-free formula nourishes both scalp and lengths, with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide working together to hydrate, strengthen, and support a healthier hair environment.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The scent boasts creamy coconut and vanilla notes that give it a beachy feel, while citrus and woody undertones offer a clean, herbal aroma.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The aroma du jour at Aromas del Perú went a long way as a state inspector shut down the Coral Gables location of the South Florida chain for a day last week.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfume. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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