fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or pleasant smell

fragrantly adverb

Synonyms

• aromatic
• scented

Choose the Right Synonym for fragrant

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of fragrant in a Sentence

The soup was fragrant with herbs and spices.

the balsam fir is a favorite as a Christmas tree because it is so fragrant

Recent Examples on the Web

Cook for 1 minute, or until the herbs are fragrant. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

Forming a slowly spreading colony of 24-inch-tall, gracefully arching stems, plants produce lightly fragrant white spring flowers that hang like little white bells from the underside of each stem. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Toast the chiles in a dry pan over medium-high heat, flipping once, until lightly blistered and fragrant but still pliable, a minute or so. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

The estate’s rosé shows a delicate salmon-pink hue with fine, persistent bubbles and opens into fragrant aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and floral honey. —Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin fragrant-, fragrans, from present participle of fragrare to be fragrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fragrant

• flagrant
• vagrant

Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or agreeable smell

fragrantly adverb