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

Yet, while nearly all plants with fragrant flowers demand most of the day’s sun, heliotrope is uncomfortable with more than half a day’s sun exposure. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025

Specialty restaurants across the country top pies with ingredients used in Indian dishes like fragrant chicken tikka masala and herby palak paneer, and the Sacramento area is indulging in the concept. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Cook, stirring and swirling constantly, until the garlic is tender and fragrant, about 7 minutes. —Malaka Gharib, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025

Add the sweet and smoked paprikas and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and darkened, about 30 seconds. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 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