AROMATIC Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'aromatic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aromatic are fragrant , odorous , and redolent . While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors. // an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Q: When might 'fragrant' be a better fit than 'aromatic'?

The meanings of fragrant and aromatic largely overlap; however, fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors. // a fragrant rose

Q: When is 'odorous' a more appropriate choice than 'aromatic'?

The synonyms odorous and aromatic are sometimes interchangeable, but odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant. // odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

Q: When is it sensible to use 'redolent' instead of 'aromatic'?

While the synonyms redolent and aromatic are close in meaning, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors. // the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic

adjective

ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik

Definition of aromatic

as in fragrant

having a pleasant smell aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the adjective aromatic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aromatic are fragrant, odorous, and redolent. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When might fragrant be a better fit than aromatic?

The meanings of fragrant and aromatic largely overlap; however, fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

When is odorous a more appropriate choice than aromatic?

The synonyms odorous and aromatic 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 it sensible to use redolent instead of aromatic?

While the synonyms redolent and aromatic are close in meaning, 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 aromatic The note captures the aromatic green vine, which reads as sharp, leafy, slightly earthy and surprisingly fresh. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 Where rain falls more frequently, there will be less petrichor because the aromatic compounds won’t have enough time to accumulate. — Gregory Wakeman, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026 The results are an impressive lineup of signature wines, like the Bordeaux-style Eluvium and Rise blends, as well as aromatic petit manseng wines. — Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2026 Ranging from crisp, fresh white wines to robust, aromatic reds, Macedonian wines are gaining cult-like status for their high quality and good price. — Bill St. John, Denver Post, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aromatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aromatic

Adjective

Toast 2 cups blanched hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and fragrant, 15–18 minutes.

— Tanya Bush, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Our highlights were the sticky Yabba pot rice and the lamb curry, which were fragrant and delicate but packed a punch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of fragrant

Adjective

The cavelike, eucalyptus-scented steam room is glorious after a day in the cold surf.

— Adrienne Matei, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
What's new in beauty Bath & Body Works recently launched its Essentials line, a gentle line of lightly scented products designed for the customer with sensitive skin.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of scented

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aromas

aromatic

aromaticities

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“Aromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aromatic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of aromatic

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