scent 1 of 2

Definition of scentnext

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

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
The soothing Rosemary & Mint scent was perfect for a head massage in the middle of washday. Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026 The mimosa tree that blooms in March with its bright yellow flowers and refreshing scent became the symbol of the movement and a special cake with a sunny yellow color is made for celebration. Mary Ann Esposito, Boston Herald, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
That is his uncanny ability to scent the direction in which the culture is headed. Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026 The warming spices of paprika, cumin and chili powder are used to scent the sauce and give it depth and complexity. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent
Noun
  • Vanicream has built its reputation on formulas that strip out many of the ingredients most likely to cause reactions—things like fragrance, dyes, lanolin, parabens, and formaldehyde releasers.
    Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026
  • His fragrance, Three Flowers, became one of the most successful perfumes of its time.
    Sudhir Gupta, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Both the residents and the township agreed that something needs to be done about the smell lingering in the air.
    Jessica Riley, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • There’s a lovely, gentle soapy smell throughout the hotel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Fortunately, that something can be as easy as spicing it with ginger, perfuming it with florals or smoke, or easier still and our favorite version, adding a grapefruit peel to the shaker tin before shaking on ice.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026
  • The air is perfumed with orange essence.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • At the time, fellow Arab leaders sniffed, but today, with the enormous cost of regional chaos weighing directly on the Gulf, the king’s words are prescient.
    Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 19 Mar. 2026
  • There were a 1-mile perimeter of street closures around the theater, bomb-sniffing dogs and heavy police presence.
    Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But those from back home, where memories of Magic still sit fresh on the tip of tongues, sense there could be more.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Those athletes, likely at least in part sensing a physical vulnerability, such as a lack of strength, coordination or control, tend to move differently, even with simple tasks like walking or running.
    Ian McMahan, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • People find so much beauty in nature, from the dazzling colors of butterflies to the melodious songs of birds and the aromas of flowers.
    Logan S. James, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2026
  • The 2020 is a blend of approximately two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Sauvignon and offers aromas of cherry, brown baking spices, crushed violet petals, and black plum.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For frequent travelers accustomed to efficiency, the idea of arriving at the airport half a day early can feel untenable.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
  • If a process feels clunky, those advance preparations could give you time to come up with a new way of doing things that works better for everyone.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Melanie Benesh from the Environmental Working Group, which has worked closely with Gabriel throughout the years on his legislation, said if the bill were to be passed, shoppers could see the seals on breads, yogurts, snacks and cereals.
    Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • The Current did not call upon any of Croix Bethune, Debinha, Lo LaBonta, Michelle Cooper, and Ellie Bravo-Young in the starting lineup, as Armas opted for rotation given a road trip that sees KC play three games in seven days.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scent. Accessed 26 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on scent

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster