thick scent

USAGE SUMMARY

"thick scent" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an excellent way to describe a strong and powerful smell, such as the scent of a perfume, burning incense, or a heavy rain. For example, "The air was filled with a thick scent of pine from the nearby forest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

THEATER DISTRICT Pretzels; diesel; cigarettes; hot bus tires; pavement; close, thick scent; whiff of modeling clay, carried on the warm air from a vent; licorice-y bus toilet; old beer; green apple shampoo; nice smelling women.

The New York Times

THESE DAYS, YOU CAN'T WALK INTO A STORE or a bedroom without getting mugged by the thick scent of vanilla (or was that flan?).

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Soon the room filled with the thick, acrid scent of burning flesh.

The New York Times - Magazine

No, I hadn't; yes, I had seen it; and the thick humid scent of the Islamabad airport reminded me of home.

The New York Times

I dream of running through fields thick with scents, of chasing my own tail, of sprawling by a fireplace as someone scratches my belly, of humping furniture.

The New Yorker

Long a cigarette-manufacturing hub, its morning air for decades had a thick, sweet tobacco scent.

The Washington Post

The air is still thick with the scent of citrus as I pick up the orange half and bring the cut surface to my mouth.

Yale University

Golden light pierced through the canopy, and the air was thick with the scent of jasmine and peonies, the favorite flower of Mr. Rosenberg's sister.

The New York Times

The air was thick with the scent of sausage and grits as Joan Lynch inched down the hallway, the tap of her cane punctuating her every step.

The New York Times

More than a week after the storm, the streets in downtown Lumberton, thick with the scent of mildew and the sounds of electric generators, were littered with piles of waterlogged appliances, warped furniture and mounds of trash bags.

The New York Times

Meals $2-$2-$7r thick with the scent of garlic draws you in, but the fruit, nuts, wine and chocolate will make you clear your schedule for the rest of the day.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thick scent" when describing an aroma that is both intense and enveloping, almost palpable in its presence. This is especially effective in descriptive writing to create a vivid sensory experience for the reader.

Common error

While "thick scent" effectively conveys intensity, it can sound overly dramatic in neutral or clinical contexts. Choose a more neutral term like "noticeable scent" or "distinct aroma" if the intensity isn't the focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thick scent" functions as a noun phrase, where "thick" is an adjective modifying the noun "scent". It describes the intensity or density of a particular smell, making it a vivid sensory detail. Ludwig AI also confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thick scent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe an intense and enveloping aroma. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a descriptive term often found in news, academic, and general writing. When employing this phrase, consider its potential for sensory impact and adjust the intensity according to your narrative's tone. Be mindful of overusing it in neutral contexts, and explore alternatives like "strong aroma" or "intense fragrance" to suit different descriptive needs. The phrase effectively conveys a powerful smell.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong aroma

Focuses on the intensity of the smell.

intense fragrance

Highlights the powerful and concentrated nature of the scent.

heavy fragrance

Emphasizes the density and weight of the aroma.

rich perfume

Implies a complex and layered scent.

pungent odor

Draws attention to a sharp and penetrating smell.

overpowering aroma

Stresses the dominant and intrusive nature of the scent.

dense fragrance

Suggests a concentrated and substantial scent.

pronounced scent

Highlights the noticeable and easily detected aroma.

distinct odor

Focuses on the unique and recognizable nature of the smell.

lingering aroma

Emphasizes the long-lasting nature of the scent.

FAQs

How can I use "thick scent" in a sentence?

You can use "thick scent" to describe an intense and heavy aroma. For example, "The air was filled with the "thick scent" of pine needles after the rain".

What are some alternatives to "thick scent"?

Alternatives include "strong aroma", "intense fragrance", or "heavy fragrance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thick scent" a positive or negative descriptor?

The connotation of "thick scent" depends on the scent itself. It can be positive (e.g., "thick scent of jasmine") or negative (e.g., "thick scent of mildew").

What does it mean when a scent is described as "thick"?

Describing a scent as "thick" implies that it's intense, concentrated, and almost palpable, dominating the surrounding air.