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

Unfortunately, the scent did not have a lasting fragrant effect on the laundry after the wash cycle. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

There were black burlat cherries, plump apricots, a basket of fragrant strawberries. —Danielle Postel-Vinay, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025

Your family or guests will enjoy the fragrant spices, nutty flavor and slightly chewy texture of the sweet treat, but the purple color, which is similar to that of blueberries, will be the real conversation starter. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 25 Oct. 2025

The next most fragrant freesia flowers are yellow, followed by the less-fragrant purple, blue, bronze, and red. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 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