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

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 redolent Designer Jerry Lorenzo doesn’t much care for outré gestures, theatrical poses, and arch style statements redolent of novelty. Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2025 The Library of Cultures is decorated with lapis lazuli pigments and gilded wood, while the Music Room is redolent of Venice’s golden age. Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 Designed to evoke Ireland’s verdant countryside (and nod to its long history of producing menswear textiles, such as the titular fabric), this scent is redolent of verbena, peppermint, cedar, oakmoss, and lavender. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 3 July 2025 The internet, at this point, still felt redolent with possibility. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for redolent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redolent
Adjective
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until cornbread stuffing mixture is toasted and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
    Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Check out the fragrant Kelleher Rose Garden and the rambling Fenway Victory Gardens, originally planted by citizens in 1941 as a source of food during World War II.
    Kori Perten, AFAR Media, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Bolognese is the quintessential beef ragu consisting of ground beef, aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, celery and herbs.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Stir in 2 teaspoons of the honey and the paprika, and cook, stirring constantly, until the nuts are toasted and aromatic, 30 to 60 seconds more.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This includes the scented candle that was a signature of the original store, which shuttered in 2017, and a reissue of Abloh’s spin on the Braun BC02 alarm clock.
    Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Its scented foliage also is not particularly appealing to rabbits and deer.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Redolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redolent. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redolent

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