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

Set the scene, light a fragrant candle, and let the spring fun begin. —Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Harasim suggests leaving out Arm & Hammer baking soda packs (which even come as air filters), or a fragrant bar of soap like Irish Spring to keep things smelling better. —Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 2 Apr. 2026

Meanwhile, stir together the honey, chili-garlic sauce, and olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until heated through and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. —Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026

The plants have similar growing needs and are both wonderfully fragrant. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 2 Apr. 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