Definition of redolencenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun redolence differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of redolence are fragrance, perfume, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Where would fragrance be a reasonable alternative to redolence?

While in some cases nearly identical to redolence, fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

In what contexts can perfume take the place of redolence?

The words perfume and redolence are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

How do scent and perfume relate to one another, in the sense of redolence?

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 redolence This version is especially pared down, relying mostly on the bones, which are boiled over multiple hours to imbue the broth with fatty redolence. — New York Times, 13 June 2022 This new sound often bears the markings of calypso, Afrobeat, grime and drum ’n’ bass, plus the spiritual jazz of the 1960s and ’70s, and an abiding redolence of Indian classical. — Giovanni Russonello, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redolence
Noun
  • Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices.
    — Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The second-place winner was fragrance house French Cowboy, which was founded in 2025 by Ashley Santiago and Adrien Ollat, and collaborates with different creatives on the scents.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Radon exposure can go unnoticed because the gas has no smell or color.
    — Tori Mason, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • In the corner of the mall occupied by the Cinemark Rave movie theater, the smell of butter wafted into a lobby with another dry fountain.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Both are meant to be used just before serving to keep the fragrance intact.
    — Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Piper Sandler’s annual teen survey — polling 9,000 teens across 47 states — shows overall beauty spend swelled 7 percent this year, with growth across all key categories, including cosmetics, skin care, hair and fragrance.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The sweet, woody scent of Georgia pines blended with the wafting aroma of sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • For nearly two decades, Pena and his wife have run a Dominican restaurant in Allentown, where the aroma of crispy pastelillos and savory rice fills the dining room.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redolence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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