in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s 
1
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
2
: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned
broadly
: a pleasing scent
3
: pleasing attention : flattery
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
1
: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of
2
archaic
: to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused
Synonyms
Examples of incense in a Sentence
Noun
the heavenly incense of spring flowers
count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office
Verb (1)
the gift shop was heavily incensed with a cloying mixture of herbal essences
Verb (2)
the insult so incensed him that he had to be restrained from hitting the guy
Recent Examples on the Web
Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 18 July 2024
Though the ingredient is especially popular in Middle Eastern fragrance, there are references in Chinese history which show that oud was extracted for incense in the third century.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2024
Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2024
Science & Medicine Deadly overdoses fell in U.S. for first time in five years, new estimates show
May 15, 2024
Lora became incensed and demanded that her sons go home with her.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for incense 
Noun
On the side of the road, his children and grandchildren placed 10 votive candles, a small bowl for incense, a photo of Voong on vacation in Cozumel, and two miniature candy bars for the great-grandfather with a sweet tooth.
—Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 18 July 2024
Though the ingredient is especially popular in Middle Eastern fragrance, there are references in Chinese history which show that oud was extracted for incense in the third century.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2024
Verb
Republicans, incensed by Hur's decision, issued a subpoena for audio of his interviews with Biden during the spring.
—Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 12 July 2024
Science & Medicine Deadly overdoses fell in U.S. for first time in five years, new estimates show
May 15, 2024
Lora became incensed and demanded that her sons go home with her.
—Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for incense
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near incense
Cite this Entry
“Incense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incense. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
incense
1 of 2 noun
in·cense
ˈin-ˌsen(t)s
1
a
: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned
b
: the odor so produced
2
: a pleasing scent
incense
2 of 2 verb
in·cense
in-ˈsen(t)s
incensed; incensing
: to make very angry
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