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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of fragrant The wine is a pale yellow, featuring a fragrant nose of pear, white peach, and mountain herbs. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 Tarragon adds a fragrant note and a bit of complexity to an otherwise fairly straightforward dish. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025 Where to stay: With its fragrant pines, white exterior with forest green trim, and wooden decks, the 1930s art deco villa that houses Les Hortsensias du Lac suggests the USA more than southwest France. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 24 June 2025 The studio’s warm and inviting color palette is complemented by the scent of fragrant candles. Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fragrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragrant
Adjective
  • During a nature walk, our guide collected common plants, botanicals, and aromatic herbs, sharing their therapeutic properties.
    Nina-Sophia Miralles, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • Cooking meat at high temperatures or in direct contact with a flame or a hot surface can produce carcinogens, including heterocyclic aromatic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
    Brittany Poulson, People.com, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to food, trash, and other odors, such as deodorant, perfume, and scented toothpaste, Davis said campers should also secure their sweaty clothes in bear boxes, as these can also attract elk.
    Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 3 July 2025
  • The vanilla and coconut scented cream also contains baobab oil, squalane and hyaluronic acid to firm, strengthen the skin barrier and hydrate.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragrant. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrant

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