1
2
as in smells
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
1
as in perfumes
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
3
as in senses
to have a vague awareness of
he scented danger
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of scents
Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
This season, what’s particularly trending are fruity scents.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Their easy, playful dynamic is evident in the brand's sisterhood campaign, which celebrates the hot-selling scents English Pear & Freesia (Lizzy's go-to) and English Pear & Sweet Pea (Georgia May's fave).
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Shop Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum for $265 at Nordstrom, plus more scents like it, below.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
For one thing, different animals respond to different scents.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Some deodorants rely on scents and perfumes to mask odor, while others are loaded with chemicals, such as aluminum to help block sweat and triclosan to kill odor causing bacteria.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The retailer also just launched the scents Spring Apple, Beet, and Carrot & Nectarine, plus a Morning Matcha foaming hand soap.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
Ahead, find simple ways to keep your home smelling fresh long after cleaning, plus tips for layering scents for a more balanced result.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Apr. 2026
This season, what’s particularly trending are fruity scents.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026
Their easy, playful dynamic is evident in the brand's sisterhood campaign, which celebrates the hot-selling scents English Pear & Freesia (Lizzy's go-to) and English Pear & Sweet Pea (Georgia May's fave).
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
Shop Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique Eau de Parfum for $265 at Nordstrom, plus more scents like it, below.
—Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026
For one thing, different animals respond to different scents.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Some deodorants rely on scents and perfumes to mask odor, while others are loaded with chemicals, such as aluminum to help block sweat and triclosan to kill odor causing bacteria.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
The retailer also just launched the scents Spring Apple, Beet, and Carrot & Nectarine, plus a Morning Matcha foaming hand soap.
—Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scents
Noun
-
Here, experts share the best spring fragrances to incorporate into your home.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Their fragrances are very light.—
Brittany Talarico,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Inside Akal Travel Center, a 24-hour truck stop on Wyoming’s high plains, the smells of sizzling garlic and earthy curry powder permeate the air.—
David Williams,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Triggers can be smells, sounds, places, postures or tones of voice.—
Dr. Andrew Garner,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Markets brim with greens, citrus that perfumes the air and strawberries that’ll be a reminder of what they’re supposed to taste like.—
Eric Barton,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
-
It’s fortified with a splash of orange liqueur that faintly perfumes the custard.—
Lynda Balslev,
Mercury News,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
In the video, Chilli sniffs large bricks to locate the scent a trainer shared with him.—
Katie Hill,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Tovar is the one officer who immediately sniffs out that there’s something weird about Gacy, and Luna incrementally nudges the character further and further into obsession.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Navigating that tension makes a living cell a rudimentary agent — one that senses its own internal state and the environment, and then acts upon that information.—
Amanda Gefter,
Quanta Magazine,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The Bose PositionIQ technology inside the speaker senses its orientation and adjusts the audio accordingly.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The season brings natural aromas like florals and herbs that signal a new beginning.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
16 Apr. 2026
-
These pioneering chemists from IQUEMA also spearheaded other astonishing, detailed archaeological initiatives that determined the compositions of old wine and aromas of the Roman Empire and of the mortars used in the Domus of Salvius, in the present case.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
With a bold, elevated look that feels designer, just without the price tag, these clogs make a statement.—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
Ahead, the most common travel wardrobe mistakes that date your outfits—and exactly what to pack instead for a suitcase that feels effortless, cohesive, and timeless.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scents.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scents. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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