Synonyms of fragrant

fragrant

adjective

ˈfrā-grənt 

as in aromatic

having a pleasant smell

the balsam fir is a favorite as a Christmas tree because it is so fragrant

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragrant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragrant are aromatic, odorous, and redolent. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

When might aromatic be a better fit than fragrant?

The meanings of aromatic and fragrant largely overlap; however, aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When is it sensible to use odorous instead of fragrant?

The synonyms odorous and fragrant 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 redolent a more appropriate choice than fragrant?

The words redolent and fragrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fragrant

Climbing higher up the hillside on a rocky path sprouting with fragrant wild sage, there’s more evidence of how sophisticated life in Termessos would’ve been. —Barry Neild, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025

Plumerias, whose fragrant blooms are strung together in Hawaiian flower necklaces called leis, eventually grow into 15-foot trees. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 20 Sep. 2025

Crimson Orchid Created by bartender Aaron Pavo at Tigress located at The Perry Hotel Naples, this bold yet elegant ode to autumn should be served chilled in a snifter and finished with a fragrant cinnamon stick. —Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Add oregano, cumin, coriander, and cayenne; cook and stir until seasonings are fragrant, about 2 minutes. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 18 Sep. 2025