perfume 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perfume

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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
And the Sol de Janeiro perfume mist is the perfect example of this new era. Anja Webb, Parents, 11 June 2025 The campaign for the Coach Gold fragrance features Reid in New York City, dressed in a gold wardrobe to evoke the look and design of the perfume. Julia Teti, Footwear News, 10 June 2025
Verb
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 The ambrosial beans that perfume many of our favorite desserts are a challenge to produce. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume
Noun
  • Natural vapors coming from trees, like the monoterpenes that give pine trees their scent, produce aerosols and thus low-lying clouds that hover above forests.
    Max G. Levy, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025
  • After a shower at the gym, this is my favorite scent to put on.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Scent marketing involves strategically placing fragrances at key touchpoints to influence consumer behavior, boost satisfaction and increase sales.
    Tamara Bebb, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Madras has taken on many forms over the centuries, from traditional Indian sarongs to patchwork jackets and even a fragrance.
    Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Fine, elegant bubbles carry lifted aromas of raspberry, red apple skin, and rose petal.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • The smell of something simmering on the stove—garlic, ginger, soy, or even the aroma of roasted chicken or vegetables.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Perfume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfume. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on perfume

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!