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

Carolina Jessamine The canary yellow fragrant flowers of Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) are a signal that spring is just around the corner, starting as early as February in some regions and continuing to May. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2025

Cook for 1 minute, or until the herbs are fragrant. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 10 July 2025

Forming a slowly spreading colony of 24-inch-tall, gracefully arching stems, plants produce lightly fragrant white spring flowers that hang like little white bells from the underside of each stem. —Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025

Toast the chiles in a dry pan over medium-high heat, flipping once, until lightly blistered and fragrant but still pliable, a minute or so. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2025