incense 1 of 3

noun

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
Definition of incensenext
1
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell the heavenly incense of spring flowers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in butter
excessive praise count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in-ˈsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
as in to anger
to make angry the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

ˈin-ˌsen(t)s How to pronounce incense (audio)
as in to scent
to fill or infuse with a pleasant odor or odor-releasing substance the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incense
Noun
Adding something fun to your at-home altar like an incense holder, a statue of Venus/Aphrodite, or evil eye decor to stay grounded within yourself and embrace your spiritual side this month. — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026 The excavation, carried out by an Egyptian archaeological mission under the supervision of the SCA, also uncovered pottery coffins, as well as a collection of incense burners, oil lamps, and funerary amulets. — Anne Doran, ARTnews.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
The movie, in theaters on Friday, will probably delight most viewers — and incense a few who had hoped for a more exactingly faithful rendering. — Spencer A. Klavan, Washington Post, 15 July 2026 Newsom hailed the changes, but environmental groups are incensed at the turnabout. — Dan Walters, Mercury News, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incense
  1. scent
  2. praise
  3. anger
  4. perfume
  5. fragrance
  6. flattery
  7. infuriate
  8. aroma
Noun
  • Dreamed up by Jelk, this scent incorporates vanilla planifolia that’s cold-soaked in alcohol for 21 days.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The temple's dark roofs slope toward the misty Saitama hills, while the damp mountain air carries the scent of incense from this historic pilgrimage start.
    — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Our family and volunteers have recommended Cleveland’s with the highest praise.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The contretemps about the visa scandal pushed #Andy — López Beltrán’s nickname — to the top of social media sites in Mexico, drawing both praise and derision.
    — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • The White House had previously angered US ranchers by quadrupling low-tariff imports of Argentine beef to cool prices.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • During a joint practice last summer in Houston, Moehrig decked Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson on a hard but clean hit that angered a few of Hutchinson’s teammates.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of anger
Verb
  • 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
  • It’s served in a colorful goblet with a stick of fragrant palo santo, which your server will light to perfume the drink before your first sip.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of perfume
Noun
  • As the latest installment in Xerjoff’s series of distinct collaborations, the Italian perfume house has partnered with Automobili Lamborghini to create a trio of distinctive fragrances.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The shift toward more complex scents is evident in the way fragrance houses are reinterpreting gourmand notes.
    — Danielle James, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Scam Buster is a bot that will reply to scammers in your inbox, placating them with the same social engineering tactics that scammers use, such as impersonation, flattery, and urgent messaging.
    — Kim Key, PC Magazine, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Here is a man who believes fervently in his own flattery but also wields it like a weapon.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of flattery
Verb
  • Georgia prosecutors have charged Deja Coleman, his mother, with second-degree murder, infuriating child safety advocates who say that hot car deaths are nearly always accidental and tragic.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Under its previous operator, Mountain View had been plagued by riots that drew negative press and infuriated locals.
    — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of infuriate
Noun
  • Set over medium heat and warm, stirring continuously to release the tea flavor, color and vanilla-like aroma.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This kit comes with an aroma sample and a felt diffuser—add a few drops of the Bergamot Tea Blossom scent to further enhance your bathing experience.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma

Browse Nearby Words

incendiary
incense
incensed
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Cite this Entry

“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incense. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on incense

Nglish: Translation of incense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incense

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