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

Picnic in the shade of the fragrant pohutukawa trees or snorkel in the blue-green waters. —Madeline Bilis, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

This selection blooms at an early age, with lovely, lightly fragrant racemes gracefully falling downward. —Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

The fresh cucumber, juicy citrus slices, and fragrant herbs make a bright, invigorating drink that's extra fun, thanks to a floater of sparkling wine. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026

Purple is the classic color of the intensely fragrant flowers of this species, but varieties that bloom in blue, lavender, and pink are also available. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 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