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

Top pollutants reported at facilities include chromium compounds, benzene, polycyclic aromatic compounds, cadmium compounds, nickel compounds, arsenic compounds, quinoline, manganese compounds, lead compounds and naphthalene, according to the study. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

Meanwhile, the Ghost Pepper Dry Rub comes with savory blend of classic Louisiana seasonings and fiery Ghost Pepper and the Garlic Parm Dry Rub features a rich and savory blend of parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025

Lavender is much-loved for its silvery-green aromatic foliage and fragrant spikes of flowers in late spring to mid-summer. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2025

This is a magical mix of luscious fruit, aromatic herbs and fiery spice. —Nicole Hvidsten, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025