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
• spicy
• sweet
• redolent
• savory
• ambrosial
• fresh
• pungent
• flowery
• odorous
• odoriferous
• odiferous
• fruity
• pure
• 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

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

At the farm Kahn described the skin-nourishing benefits of that day’s harvest of incredibly fragrant roses, citronella geranium leaves and lemon verbena, as well as the distillation process. — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 July 2026

Be especially generous with the parsley, mint and other fresh herbs; the couscous readily absorbs their flavors, ensuring that every forkful is fragrant, lively and refreshing. — Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 July 2026

Featuring large, fragrant clusters of pink flowers, sweet Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is great for providing color through early fall. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 21 July 2026

Our leader Anne-Sophie Lickel briefed us on the route, which would take us through fragrant forests of larch and spruce to the town of Telfs, near Innsbruck. — Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2026