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

The shop is fragrant with sugar, while antlers and cowhides decorate its rustic interiors. —Lauren Jones, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2025

Next door, the open-air M Bar was perfect for sunset mocktails—fragrant with thyme, basil, orgeat, and fresh berries—or a craft cocktail, if that’s your thing. —Lisa Greissinger, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

His son still remembers the often-fragrant drive there from their home near Van Buren and 24th Street. —Douglas C. Towne, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Check out the fragrant Kelleher Rose Garden and the rambling Fenway Victory Gardens, originally planted by citizens in 1941 as a source of food during World War II. —Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 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