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

The new Rodeo Drive location carries men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods and accessories, along with perfumes, beauty products and select home items. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

The researchers hope that in the future it will be used to identify counterfeit perfumes, detect pesticide contamination in olive oil, and offer better quality control across agriculture in general. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Fortunately, that something can be as easy as spicing it with ginger, perfuming it with florals or smoke, or easier still and our favorite version, adding a grapefruit peel to the shaker tin before shaking on ice. — Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 4 July 2026

The banana leaf protects the fish while allowing the cedar and oak smoke to gently perfume the salmon. — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026