Synonyms of aroma

aroma

noun

ə-ˈrō-mə 

1

as in scent

a sweet or pleasant smell

I love the aroma of bread baking in the oven

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• perfume
• bouquet
• incense
• balm
• spice
• attar
• otto
• redolence
• essence
• odor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• malodor
• fetor

2

as in smell

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose

the ripe aroma of a sweatshirt that's in dire need of laundering

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• smell
• stench
• fragrance
• sniff
• odor
• redolence
• perfume
• fragrancy
• whiff
• savour
• attar
• otto
• bouquet
• lusciousness
• funk
• rankness
• spice
• malodor
• musk
• rancidity
• aromaticity
• fetor
• tang
• savoriness
• savor
• incense
• ambrosia
• stink
• foulness
• reek
• gaminess
• acridness
• fetidness
• noisomeness
• odorousness
• odoriferousness

3

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something

the aroma of wealth and privilege that pervades the manicured confines of the country club

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aura
• smell
• atmosphere
• air
• flavor
• odor
• ambiance
• ambience
• mood
• sense
• feel
• climate
• feeling
• patina
• halo
• karma
• temper
• nimbus
• vibration(s)
• note
• romance
• mystique
• characteristic
• image
• sensation
• aureole
• spirit
• property
• aureola
• tone
• trait
• illusion
• attribute
• peculiarity
• overtone
• notion
• genius loci
• semblance
• color
• character
• suggestion
• picture
• mark

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

Recent Examples of aroma

For the most delicious variety, food enthusiasts should follow the aromas to the most concentrated locations with bold gastronomic ambitions. —AFAR Media, 2 Sep. 2025

Complexity and intensity, or affable aroma and sweetness? —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 2 Sep. 2025

The narrow opening doesn’t let the aromas really shine. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2025

Washington Avenue teemed with tempting aromas from some of the 50-plus restaurants and food vendors assembled for the event, which typically draws more than 300,000 attendees over four days. —Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025