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

Kirkton House Wood Fall Icon Candle One of the simplest ways to decorate for the season is with a fragrant candle. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

Cook for 30 seconds, until the herbs are fragrant. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Plump agnolotti pasta was a spin on Mexican street corn, packed with white butter, corn, and mascarpone in a sauce of corn stock, fragrant cilantro oil and chile oil finished with cotija and pickled pearl onions. —John Mariani, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, fragrant organic bath products are made with wild ylang-ylang growing on the property. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 26 Aug. 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