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

With fragrant blooms in spring, lush green leaves in summer, and vibrant red, orange, and gold foliage in fall, cherry trees create a beautiful refuge. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 24 Apr. 2026

In spring, fragrant white bottlebrush blooms emerge to support early pollinators. —Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 21 Apr. 2026

Plant hummingbird mint for its showy, fragrant, long-blooming spikes of flowers in colors ranging from white to blue and shades of red and purple. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026

Soft and spongy, this vibrant yellow cake is pleasantly sweet, with notes of fragrant lemon. —Staff Author, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 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