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

The aromatic base of Macabeo grapes gets its color from unripe green walnuts, macerated with 150 botanicals before being aged in oak for six months. —Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

Participants can learn about the preserve’s history as well as the aromatic plants, insects, birds and mammals that make their home in the wetlands. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 21 Oct. 2025

Generous clusters of aromatic flowers in lavender-blue, violet and purple grow on clumping plants to a height and girth of three feet. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025

Green notes of bergamot and patchouli keep things fresh, while a deeper, aromatic base of musk, incense, and tonka bean grounds the lighter side. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025