scent
12 synonyms for scent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A distinctive smell.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A distinctive smell.
“The scent of fresh bread filled the kitchen.”
How to use scent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pick up a scent
faint scent
scent trail
Etymology
From Old French sentir, "to feel, perceive, smell," ultimately from Latin sentire, "to feel" — the same root behind "sense."
Full origin of scent →Frequently asked questions
What does “scent” mean?
The word “scent” means a distinctive smell. In plain terms, a smell, especially a distinctive or pleasant one, or the trail such a smell leaves behind.
How do you pronounce “scent”?
“Scent” is pronounced sehnt (/sɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scent” in a sentence?
Here is “scent” used in a sentence: “The scent of fresh bread filled the kitchen.”
What part of speech is “scent”?
Depending on how it is used, “scent” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scent” come from?
The word “scent” comes from Latin. From Old French sentir, "to feel, perceive, smell," ultimately from Latin sentire, "to feel" — the same root behind "sense.".
Is “scent” a common word?
“Scent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scent” have?
“Scent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinctive smell.
What is the difference between a "scent" and an "odor"?
"Scent" often carries a more pleasant or neutral connotation, commonly used for perfumes, flowers, or an animal's distinctive smell, while "odor" is more neutral or sometimes negative in tone. Both refer to a distinctive smell, but "scent" also has the specific meaning of a trail left by an animal that can be tracked or followed.
What does it mean when a dog "follows a scent"?
When a dog follows a scent, it is tracking a trail of smell left behind by an animal or person, using its sense of smell to locate them. This tracking sense is a specific meaning of "scent" distinct from simply describing a smell.
Can "scent" be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb "scent" means to detect something by smell, as in "the dog scented the intruder before anyone saw them." This verb usage is closely tied to the noun sense of a trail that can be tracked.
