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

The wine is a pale yellow, featuring a fragrant nose of pear, white peach, and mountain herbs. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Tarragon adds a fragrant note and a bit of complexity to an otherwise fairly straightforward dish. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025

Where to stay: With its fragrant pines, white exterior with forest green trim, and wooden decks, the 1930s art deco villa that houses Les Hortsensias du Lac suggests the USA more than southwest France. —Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025

The studio’s warm and inviting color palette is complemented by the scent of fragrant candles. —Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 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