Synonyms of redolent

redolent

adjective

ˈre-də-lənt 

as in fragrant

having a pleasant smell

my grandmother's house always seemed to be redolent with the aroma of baking bread

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective redolent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redolent are aromatic, fragrant, and odorous. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

When is it sensible to use aromatic instead of redolent?

In some situations, the words aromatic and redolent are roughly equivalent. However, aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When can fragrant be used instead of redolent?

The words fragrant and redolent can be used in similar contexts, but fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

In what contexts can odorous take the place of redolent?

The words odorous and redolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of redolent

In one large, redolent print, a woman in a white coat stands beside a deserted stretch of road, gazing beyond a patch of grass while the shadow of a utility pole bisects her body from head to heels. —Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Dig into the rack of lamb, redolent of Moroccan spices, or a whole branzino simply accompanied by charred lemon. —Katie Chang, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025

How Cariño Turns Mexican Spirits Into Liquid Anthropology Cariño’s Oaxacan old-fashioned at is redolent with aromas of piloncillo, cinnamon, and orange. —Ximena N. Beltran Quan Kiu, Bon Appétit, 18 Feb. 2025

Absent since 2019, U.K. delegates will be back in full swing with a strong Scottish presence redolent of a more collective approach – and for that, organizers are beaming. —Ben Croll, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025

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