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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

All this to say, scent is extremely personal, so if my picks aren’t tickling your fancy (or nose), consider some more unique summer perfumes below. — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 29 June 2026 The oil extracted from various parts of the plant has found applications in aromatherapy and such cosmetics as shampoo, skin and hair care products, and perfume. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026

Verb

The bread alone–flaky fougasse, perfuming the table with a luscious buttery scent—is worth the admission price. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026 Fresh lavender and lemon zest get rubbed into the sugar with your hands—a simple trick that perfumes the blueberry-peach filling with floral, citrusy notes. — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for perfume

Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume

Noun

Also known as fragrance stacking, layering means mixing scents to create your own custom blend according to Almira Armstrong, founder of Lumira.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 6 July 2026
The dogs, specially trained to detect human scent, have spent days searching for people trapped beneath the rubble of nearly 200 buildings that collapsed following the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes.

— Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 5 July 2026

Definition of scent

Noun

Dior and Louboutin also have luxury beauty lines, while Dior and Cartier have major fragrance businesses.

— Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 July 2026
There was also the Run space from WSN and ANDAM, featuring 12 designers across men’s, women’s, accessories and, for the first time, fragrance.

— Alex Wynne, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

Definition of fragrance

Noun

His-and-hers hydrotherapy facilities each have a vitality pool, aroma-steam room, sauna, ice fountain and experience showers.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 July 2026
Industry experts recommend choosing products based on aroma, terpenes, and considering THC as merely one factor among many.

— Peter Su, Forbes.com, 1 July 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 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of perfume

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