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

Toast 2 cups blanched hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant, 15–18 minutes. — Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026

Our highlights were the sticky Yabba pot rice and the lamb curry, which were fragrant and delicate but packed a punch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

As the Eastern starting point of the Silk Road with a prominent Muslim population, Xi’an’s culinary tradition is known for fragrant spices, street skewers and starch-heavy noodles. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 4 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