PERFUME Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'perfume' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perfume are fragrance , redolence , and scent . While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor. // the perfume of lilacs

Q: When would 'fragrance' be a good substitute for 'perfume'?

Although the words fragrance and perfume have much in common, fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things. // the fragrance of pine

Q: When could 'redolence' be used to replace 'perfume'?

In some situations, the words redolence and perfume are roughly equivalent. However, redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors. // the redolence of a forest after a rain

Q: How are the words 'scent' and 'perfume' related?

Scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation. // scent -free soaps

perfume 1 of 2

noun

ˈpər-ˌfyüm

Definition of perfume

as in scent

a sweet or pleasant smell the perfume of fresh flowers filled the room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

perfume

2 of 2

verb

(ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm

as in to scent

to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance roses perfumed the wedding chapel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun perfume differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of perfume are fragrance, redolence, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

When would fragrance be a good substitute for perfume?

Although the words fragrance and perfume have much in common, fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

When could redolence be used to replace perfume?

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

the redolence of a forest after a rain

How are the words scent and perfume related?

Scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

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 perfume

Noun

Perfectly lucid, aware of the smell of Simple Green overtaken by perfumes, the talcum stink of baby powder. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 In addition to developing better medicines or perfumes, deciphering the mirror images of molecules can help scientists understand the chemical architecture of life, said chemist Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the journal Science. — Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

Part of the exhibit is interactive, including a recreation of a Mexican-American family home and the garlic that would perfume the foods of a typical meal. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Butterflies are drawn to the small, white flowers that cover plants in spring, perfuming the garden with their sweet fragrance. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume

Noun

Tyler placed it between us with an elegant flourish; the steam carried the scent of glorious-secret spices.

— Larry Padgett, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The second-place winner was fragrance house French Cowboy, which was founded in 2025 by Ashley Santiago and Adrien Ollat, and collaborates with different creatives on the scents.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of scent

Noun

Both are meant to be used just before serving to keep the fragrance intact.

— Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Oct. 2026
Piper Sandler’s annual teen survey — polling 9,000 teens across 47 states — shows overall beauty spend swelled 7 percent this year, with growth across all key categories, including cosmetics, skin care, hair and fragrance.

— Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragrance

Noun

The sweet, woody scent of Georgia pines blended with the wafting aroma of sizzling hot dogs and hamburgers.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
For nearly two decades, Pena and his wife have run a Dominican restaurant in Allentown, where the aroma of crispy pastelillos and savory rice fills the dining room.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of aroma

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performs

perfume

perfumed

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“Perfume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfume. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of perfume

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