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
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Recent Examples of perfume
Noun
Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum Spray This Tory Burch perfume has been my everyday scent for spring and summer.—Clara McMahon, People.com, 7 July 2025 Lavender perfume might evoke memories of a close friend.—Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 3 July 2025
Verb
Our goal is to teach individuals how to perfume themselves, to create their own rituals, and to discover scents that align with their essence.—Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Pours are $40 each; Variation 1 tastes more delicate and floral, perfumed with notes of orange blossom while No. 2 develops a more complex and high-acidity, punchy flavor of jasmine and plum.—Emily Bloch, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfume
Whether you’re drawn to the floral notes of Lancôme’s La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum or prefer something more woodsy and masculine like Ralph Lauren's Ralph’s Club, now is the ideal time to stock up on a new signature scent, grab travel-sized sprays for TSA, or pick up gifts for friends and family.
—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
This particular flavor pulls inspiration from peach iced tea for a fruity, sweet scent.
In the continued spirit of collaboration, an exclusive fragrance was created for the show by Symrise Fine Fragrance perfumers, a partner of the Istituto Marangoni Paris for the Bachelor and Master of Fragrances and Cosmetics Management and Fragrances and Cosmetics Brand Management and Licensing.
—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
7 July 2025
Open since 2001, the company makes approximately 35 different fragrances, including seasonal soaps.
The citrus notes are powerful and sharp; Joseph tasted calamansi and lemon zest, Kelsey tasted zingy lime, editorial operations manager Kate Kassin mentioned aromas of orange peel.
—
Sam Stone,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
14 July 2025
Hand-selected by Distiller David Bock, this latest release was aged a minimum of ten years and boasts the rich aromas of leather, plums, and a hint of apple.
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