perfume 1 of 2

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

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

Synonym Chooser

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
The fruit and its peel can be used to add flavor to drinks or aromas to perfumes. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Oct. 2025 Use a basic dish soap that doesn't include extra lotions and perfumes. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
At Shen House, once the lavish residence of Ming dynasty tycoon Shen Wansan, creaking floorboards and moon gates lead to quiet courtyards perfumed with jasmine—while silk threads shimmer in tiny shops, and calligraphers bend over scrolls lit by lantern glow. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025 Perhaps the most minimalistic option on this list, Diptyque’s Electric Diffuser is perfect for perfuming a small space with fine French fragrance. Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for perfume
Recent Examples of Synonyms for perfume
Noun
  • Subtle hints of vanilla bean and cocoa add sweetness and balance to the scent profile, and its black jar goes with just about anything.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
  • This partnership comes a few weeks after DedCool, best known for its detergent line, released incense in all three cult-favorite scents.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Luxury tableware and fragrance brand Tania Bulhões is another international firm that has its eye on Limoges artisan heritage.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Together, these notes create a velvety fragrance that smells like love in a bottle.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Adding your preferred aroma to a wool dryer ball is also possible.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The fruit and its peel can be used to add flavor to drinks or aromas to perfumes.
    Kirstyn Hill, Health, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Perfume.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/perfume. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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