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
But my true education came in a Canal Street perfume shop, working 17-hour days for $200 a week.—Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 7 Oct. 2025 Poe transplanted the story to Paris, changed Mary’s name to Marie Rogêt and recast her as a perfume shop worker instead of a cigar girl.—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
Perhaps the most minimalistic option on this list, Diptyque’s Electric Diffuser is perfect for perfuming a small space with fine French fragrance.—Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 The Jamaican mountain air clung close, warm and perfumed with sage.—Essence, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfume
Gently shake the bag to distribute the scent over all the mix.
—
Cody Godwin,
USA Today,
7 Oct. 2025
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with these beetles is that the feeding pests cause the affected plant to produce a volatile aromatic scent, which quickly attracts other beetles to the feast.
Along with a proprietary wax, the candles are designed with lead-free cotton wicks for an elevated burning experience and optimal fragrance diffusion.
—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Start by gathering a soap base (either goats milk or shea butter works), yellow and red soap colorant, fall-scented fragrance oil, silicone soap mold, measuring cups, and 99% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle.
The aroma of this best-seller blends comforting notes of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
The Autumn Wreath Yankee Candle features layered scents of apple, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and woodsy notes that, when combined, create a warm, welcoming aroma that just feels like fall.
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