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

From colorful blooms to fill your summer tablescapes to warm weather veggies to fragrant herbs, there are a variety of companion plants that are perfect partners for basil. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 4 June 2025

Even occasional summer watering will kill it or shorten its life, which is only about four or five years anyway, but wow, what a gift to hummingbirds and other pollinators, not to mention anyone who loves a dramatic, fragrant garden. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025

More garlic, ginger, scallion, floral fragrant aromas. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025

With a bushy crown of narrow, glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, the species is cultivated and distributed beyond its native range as an ornamental shade tree. —Nina Foster, JSTOR Daily, 30 May 2025