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
Hoping to address these gaps in the research, a team of Cornell University scientists set out to determine how diplomatic scents inform platonic interactions between strangers. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 21 Apr. 2025 This all-purpose detergent is decadently (but not overwhelmingly) scented with notes of lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood for a bright, crisp scent, skillfully targeting dirt stains and grime every wash. Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
There were religious reasons for the practice Sean Gallup/Getty Images The motivation for scenting and adorning statues was primarily religious. James Doubek, NPR, 25 Mar. 2025 Ralph, who had been drinking, remained poised above the water, like a pointer scenting game. Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for scent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scent
Noun
  • The Knowles-Carter’s fragrance Cé Lumière will be sold at select Ulta Beauty stores and on the cosmetic retailer’s official website, marking its first availability beyond Knowles-Carter’s official website.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Each flower also features a striking scent of citrus and honeysuckle, guaranteed to grace both your home and garden with its sweet fragrance.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • British animal charity International Cat Care explains that the best way to introduce felines is following a five step method which starts with scent swapping, allowing each cat to familiarize with the other feline's smell before a face to face meeting.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The roar of generators and smell of fumes filled the air as a growing number of Puerto Ricans renewed calls for the government to cancel the contracts with Luma Energy, which oversees the transmission and distribution of power, and Genera PR, which oversees generation.
    Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Reminiscent of department store perfume testing strips, these scented papers are able to be used without burning to gently perfume dresser drawers, wardrobes, even bookcases.
    Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Statues of rulers, such as Egypt’s Berenice II, were also perfumed, Brøns finds.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The dog should be allowed to approach the child in their own time, to sniff and explore, and parents should ensure the puppy is comfortable before allowing your child to rub them.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
  • On Sunday, the Hollywood icon — who calls Ocala, Fla., home — posted an innocent photo of his dog sniffing a Lindt rabbit wrapped in gold foil.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The study also found that movement positively impacted interoception, or the ability to sense internal states, which is foundational for emotional regulation and stress recovery.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Stack can sense that death is coming for the old man.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While many versions of the aroma exist, feeding the line with new facets helps Mugler continue to tell the story.
    Essence, Essence, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Chilean coastal Pinot Noir showcases vibrant colors—slightly more intense than cool-climate counterparts elsewhere due to the intense afternoon sunlight—with characteristic sweet and sour cherry aromas complemented by wet earth notes and silky textures.
    Jill Barth, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The coast was intertwined with every aspect of our time on Izu Peninsula, from watching waves crash on seaside rocks and inhaling the salty sea scent to seeing shrines nestled by the water, like at Shirahama Shrine’s torii gate.
    Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025
  • Every lap felt like a mind-numbing carousel ride through car exhaust and past bewildered pedestrians, while inhaling burrito-scented air.
    Marley Dickinson, Outside Online, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In what felt like just a few seconds, the motion subsided, and my seat retreated back to the deck.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • In fact, 43% of employees surveyed by Korn Ferry say leadership isn’t aligned, and 37% report feeling directionless.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scent. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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