incense

4 synonyms and 5 antonyms for incense, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Noun — A substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.

Synonyms

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

cense thurify infuriate exasperate

Synonyms by Meaning

1. noun

A substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.

“She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation.”

cense thurify infuriate exasperate

2. verb

To make someone very angry.

“His dismissive comment incensed the whole room.”

infuriate exasperate thurify cense

Opposites

appease pacify mollify soothe conciliate

How to use incense

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

burn incense stick of incense incense someone with a remark

Etymology

From Old French encens, "sweet-smelling substance," from Late Latin incensum, literally "something burnt." Related to incendiary and incendō, "to set on fire."

Full origin of incense →

Frequently asked questions

What does “incense” mean?

The word “incense” means a substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room. In plain terms, as a noun, fragrant burning material; as a verb, to make furious.

How do you pronounce “incense”?

“Incense” is pronounced IHN-sehns (/ˈɪnsɛns/ in IPA).

How do you use “incense” in a sentence?

Here is “incense” used in a sentence: “She lit a stick of incense before starting her meditation.”

What part of speech is “incense”?

Depending on how it is used, “incense” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “incense” come from?

The word “incense” comes from Late Latin. From Old French encens, "sweet-smelling substance," from Late Latin incensum, literally "something burnt." Related to incendiary and incendō, "to set on fire.".

Is “incense” a common word?

“Incense” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “incense” have?

“Incense” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance burned to produce a fragrant smoke, often used in religious ceremonies or to scent a room.

Related words

frankincense

People also searched

appease mollify cense conciliate exasperate soothe pacify infuriate thurify

Nearby words

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