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

Nutmegs are known for their fragrant smell, and a wooden nutmeg could hide within the aroma of the others. —Ava Berger, NPR, 28 May 2026

Since the thick rind traps its aroma, look for heavy melons rather than fragrant ones. —Joanna Sciarrino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 May 2026

First, large clusters of lightly fragrant, cherry red flowers bloom from spring until the first hard frost of fall. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 May 2026

Some varieties of this sun-loving plant are pleasantly fragrant. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 27 May 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