PERFUME Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

perfume 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-ˌfyüm

Definition of perfume

as in scent

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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

Applying a rose perfume to my skin or putting on a shirt that has roses on it or growing roses in my garden—that’s a form of self-expression. — Brianne Kane, Scientific American, 30 July 2026 This is the most affordable perfume in my arsenal and the one that gets me the most compliments. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 30 July 2026

Verb

The finish is long and perfumed, with oak and a touch of tea tree oil. — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Fresh lavender and lemon zest get rubbed into the sugar with your hands—a simple trick that perfumes the blueberry-peach filling with floral, citrusy notes. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

performs

perfume

perfumed

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“Perfume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfume. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of perfume

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verb

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