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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of perfume

Noun

And then there’s L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci — a perfume that doesn’t shout, but whispers. —Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2025

In 2021, Eilish launched her vegan and cruelty-free perfume brand, Eilish Fragrances. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 30 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