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
• savoury
• redolent
• savory
• ambrosial
• fresh
• pungent
• odorous
• odoriferous
• flowery
• odiferous
• pure
• fruity
• 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
• gamey

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

Indulge in one of the spa’s signature experiences, such as the Itazuke Restore, a two-hour therapeutic treatment using rice to soothe, an aromatic massage and heated rice pillows. —Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025

Learn How To Grow Onions Mint Mint's aromatic leaves can help repel cabbage moths2—in fact, many organic pesticides contain the essential oil of mint. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 June 2025

After the color of the beef changes, it can be dipped in an aromatic ponzu sauce or a creamy sesame gomadare. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025

But a newer style of gin has moved to the forefront, spearheaded by brands like Hendrick’s Gin, a style of gin that is lighter and more aromatic, relying more on the other botanicals present in gin rather than the juniper. —Jeff Burkhart, Mercury News, 11 June 2025