fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or pleasant smell

fragrantly adverb

Synonyms of fragrant

• 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, stirring occasionally, until very soft and fragrant, 10–15 minutes. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

The blend is fragrant and sweet and infuses the meat with great flavor during baking. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 19 Mar. 2026

The property itself is an 1800s-era olive mill, stretching across fragrant lemon groves and leafy olive trees. —Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2026

This one also had a nice fresh scent that wasn’t overpowering (which can sometimes happen when all your curl-routine products are fragrant). —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026

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