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

Give It a Sniff at the Base A ripe pineapple should smell sweet and fragrant at the bottom. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 25 Aug. 2025

Add pesto mixture and cook, stirring constantly until bright and fragrant, 5 minutes. —Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025

Add garlic and cumin; cook until garlic is fragrant and pale golden color, 1 to 2 minutes. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025

Add lemon zest and mix with the paddle attachment until the sugar is moist and fragrant, about 1 minute. 3: Add the butter and beat on medium speed until smooth, 1 to 3 minutes. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 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