Synonyms of scent

scent 1 of 2

noun

ˈsent 

1

as in fragrance

a sweet or pleasant smell

the delightful scent of her perfume

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fragrance
• aroma
• fragrancy
• perfume
• balm
• incense
• bouquet
• attar
• spice
• redolence
• essence
• odor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• malodor
• fetor

2

as in smell

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose

dogs are able to detect scents that are far below the threshold detectable by the human nose

Synonyms & Similar Words

• smell
• aroma
• fragrance
• stench
• sniff
• odor
• perfume
• redolence
• fragrancy
• whiff
• attar
• musk
• bouquet
• rankness
• malodor
• spice
• funk
• stink
• lusciousness
• fetor
• tang
• rancidity
• incense
• reek
• savor
• ambrosia
• foulness
• aromaticity
• savoriness
• gaminess
• fetidness
• acridness
• noisomeness
• odorousness
• odoriferousness

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

• perfume
• incense
• odorize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deodorize
• stink up

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

• smell
• sniff
• inhale
• whiff
• snuff
• nose
• drink (in)
• breathe
• respire
• snort
• savor
• snuffle

3

as in to sense

to have a vague awareness of

he scented danger

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sense
• smell
• feel
• see
• taste
• notice
• hear
• perceive
• sight
• expect
• realize
• look (at)
• note
• eye
• anticipate
• discover
• divine
• discern
• remark
• view
• witness
• learn
• suspect
• ascertain
• distinguish
• find out
• guess
• spy
• foresee
• observe
• behold
• regard
• suppose
• espy
• descry
• presume
• catch on (to)
• assume
• speculate
• surmise
• foreknow
• conjecture

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

Recent Examples of scent

Noun

According to the outlets, Mason's job will be man trailing, which is following human scent to locate missing people. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026

With a classic coconut scent, this broad-spectrum sunscreen will take you back to beach days and sunny picnics. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 4 June 2026

Verb

One flower goes a long way in scenting an outdoor space, so don’t surround your patio with pots full of them. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 9 May 2026

This small village on the Côte d’Azur, in France, is scented with fields of jasmine, rose, and lavender. —Kelley Manley, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026