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

The oven baked hot water cornbread, however, steals the show with fragrant orange zest, crisp crust and a substantial crumb. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

Pair festive treats with fragrant tea blends or pop the bubbly. — Allison Yates, Midwest Living, 3 Nov. 2026

Pairing these with the fragrant and textured plants above gives a sensory garden sight, smell, sound and movement all at once. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Add the spice mixture and toast until slightly fragrant, about 45 seconds. — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 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