Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aroma contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aroma are odor, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related as synonyms of aroma?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

In what contexts can scent take the place of aroma?

Although the words scent and aroma have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

When is smell a more appropriate choice than aroma?

While the synonyms smell and aroma are close in meaning, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of aroma Each slices of strawberry delight is sweet and lightly floral with the ripe strawberries adding in their aroma and sweet tart flavor. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 Both leaves and flowers emit a sweet, fruity aroma and can be dried for a calming tea. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 Those who have been coming long enough say there is a certain smell that only an old bowling alley has — a peculiar but adored aroma from another generation. Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2025 These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aroma
Noun
  • Both scents are available in body sprays and aluminum-free deodorant sticks, joining AXE’s existing lineup of fan favorites like Blue Lavender and Black Vanilla.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The smells, on the other hand, were intriguing—solvents, 3D printers, some other rapid prototyping, or maybe all of it all at once.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025
  • Many had grown accustomed to the solitude of death row, its stale smell and the frequent rants from inmates in mental health crisis.
    Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • In videos and photos on social media, Leake, now in his early fifties, had the aura of an elder-statesman goth punk.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The overwhelming majority of those games have not carried the aura of a special occasion in the way UEFA Champions League or Copa Libertadores fixtures can in Europe and South America.
    Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Each flower also features a striking scent of citrus and honeysuckle, guaranteed to grace both your home and garden with its sweet fragrance.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The Knowles-Carter’s fragrance Cé Lumière will be sold at select Ulta Beauty stores and on the cosmetic retailer’s official website, marking its first availability beyond Knowles-Carter’s official website.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • When our planet interacts with that rubble river, those comet bits race through Earth's atmosphere at high speeds: 41 miles (66 km) per second, to produce the shooting star effect.
    Joe Rao, Space.com, 1 May 2025
  • While the residence has a jewel-box atmosphere, with luxurious emerald green drapes, ruby red bathroom tiles, Murano chandeliers, and beautifully patterned throw pillows on the couches and beds, that balcony is a total scene stealer.
    Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • During a Zoom interview, Maury Purnell, 85, hangs in the air, firmly grasping a trapeze bar, answering questions and smiling, no less.
    Matt Fuchs, Time, 30 Apr. 2025
  • How did changes in air quality affect measurable public health outcomes?
    Susan E. Dudley, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The latest limited-edition flavor to grace the shelves of your local grocery store is one of the brand’s first sweet-and-savory innovations, creating a very special cookie born from a beloved snack.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Every Friday, the family-friendly Thalassa Brunch transforms the cozy setting into a lively evening filled with Greek flavors and music from a live band and DJ that eventually sees diners take to the floor.
    Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aroma. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aroma

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