scent 1 of 2

scent

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to perfume
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance fancy bars of soap scented with lavender

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to smell
to become aware of by means of the sense organs in the nose the dog scented a rabbit and suddenly took off

Synonyms & Similar Words

3

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scent differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of scent are fragrance, perfume, and redolence. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

When might fragrance be a better fit than scent?

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

the fragrance of pine

Where would perfume be a reasonable alternative to scent?

The meanings of perfume and scent largely overlap; however, perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

When is it sensible to use redolence instead of scent?

In some situations, the words redolence and scent are roughly equivalent. However, redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

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 scent
Noun
Ornamental onions, chives, and spring onions produce a scent and flavor that squirrels find distasteful. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2025 Multiple pests or unusual stains and scents may signal an infestation. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
The AromaTech Air Stream allows users to recreate this experience in their own homes—a professional-grade HVAC diffuser, engineered to scent your entire space by way of central air. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 It’s scented with notes of sage, lavender, spruce, pine, and oakmoss for a crisp yet refined fragrance that’s especially great for cool fall evenings. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent
Noun
  • The lab is part of Unilever’s previously announced 100 million euros global investment to boost its in-house fragrance capabilities.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The process, called phototoxicity, happens when light-reactive chemicals from fragrances and other substances sit on the skin and are exposed to sunlight.
    Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Music and the smell of food filled the air on West National Avenue between 32nd and 35th Streets as members of Milwaukee’s south side communities celebrated the progress of their neighborhoods.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Head for South Bank—alive with street performers, riverside joggers, and the sweet smell of roasted nuts curling from pop-up stalls.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • At Shen House, once the lavish residence of Ming dynasty tycoon Shen Wansan, creaking floorboards and moon gates lead to quiet courtyards perfumed with jasmine—while silk threads shimmer in tiny shops, and calligraphers bend over scrolls lit by lantern glow.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • So, like two detectives sniffing a break in a case, Richardson and Soto further investigated, scanning more clips in search of supporting evidence.
    Will Sammon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Hired by Leo's sister-in-law (Shailene Woodley), Detective Bali sniffs out the winding secrets of the powerful Vardakis family, unraveling a crime of passion.
    Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Dudek sensed the growing tension.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • When people sense that their efforts will not be rewarded financially, motivation takes a hit.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Tequila is floral and aromatic, featuring aromas of cooked and fresh agave, enhanced by a subtle floral sweetness and tropical fruit notes, especially banana, guava, and pineapple.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • For the most delicious variety, food enthusiasts should follow the aromas to the most concentrated locations with bold gastronomic ambitions.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When dust is inhaled, the particles can collect in your lungs and lead to respiratory issues.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Under Robinson’s leadership, a team of his firm’s attorneys fought and won an 18-year court battle on behalf of the state’s victims of brown lung, a disease that strikes textile workers who inhale particles from raw cotton.
    Michael Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Miami’s play was so decisively putrid that the 33-8 loss to the Colts seemed almost a blessing because the game felt so much more lopsided than that.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The trendy animal print pattern combined with the crisscross buckle design offers a sophisticated, retro feel that’ll perk up any classic pair of jeans.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scent. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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