Synonyms of aromatic

aromatic

adjective

ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik 

as in fragrant

having a pleasant smell

aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fragrant
• scented
• spicy
• perfumed
• sweet
• redolent
• savory
• ambrosial
• fresh
• pungent
• odorous
• odoriferous
• flowery
• odiferous
• fruity
• pure
• odored
• clean

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strong
• malodorous
• smelly
• stinky
• putrid
• fetid
• noisome
• rancid
• stinking
• foul
• rank
• reeking
• odorless
• skunky
• unscented
• reeky
• musty
• stale
• stenchy
• fusty
• stenchful
• gamy

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective aromatic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aromatic are fragrant, odorous, and redolent. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When might fragrant be a better fit than aromatic?

The meanings of fragrant and aromatic largely overlap; however, fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

When is odorous a more appropriate choice than aromatic?

The synonyms odorous and aromatic are sometimes interchangeable, but odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

When is it sensible to use redolent instead of aromatic?

While the synonyms redolent and aromatic are close in meaning, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of aromatic

High West bourbon lays a warm, oaky foundation for a seasonal blend of crisp apple, aromatic cloves and cardamom, all deepened by the velvety sweetness of crème de cassis. — Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

The note captures the aromatic green vine, which reads as sharp, leafy, slightly earthy and surprisingly fresh. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026

Where rain falls more frequently, there will be less petrichor because the aromatic compounds won’t have enough time to accumulate. — Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Ranging from crisp, fresh white wines to robust, aromatic reds, Macedonian wines are gaining cult-like status for their high quality and good price. — Bill St. John, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026