fragrance

noun

ˈfrā-grən(t)s How to pronounce fragrance (audio)
Definition of fragrancenext
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell the fragrance of lilac trees in full bloom

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun fragrance differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of fragrance are perfume, redolence, and scent. While all these words mean "a sweet or pleasant odor," fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

When can perfume be used instead of fragrance?

While the synonyms perfume and fragrance are close in meaning, perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

When might redolence be a better fit than fragrance?

The synonyms redolence and fragrance are sometimes interchangeable, but redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

How do scent and perfume relate to one another, in the sense of fragrance?

Scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

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 fragrance Under Greenberg’s leadership, L’Oréal USA saw growth across categories including fragrance, where prestige sales soared and new megawatt pillars from YSL Beauty Myslf to Prada Paradigme swiftly made impacts on the market. — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 White musk rounds everything out with a clean, airy finish, leaving the fragrance polished and inviting without becoming too heady. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The fragrance is designed to capture the neighborhood’s duality, with tons of charm and a slight modern edge. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026 This sumptuous scent features a lovely blend of coconut milk, orchid, and vetiver for a bright yet grounded fragrance. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragrance
  1. scent
  2. aroma
  3. perfume
Noun
  • They are well documented in insects and other animals, and some pheromones do not have a discernible scent, Scientific American explained.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Nobody loves bug bites, or the scent of being doused in bug spray.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Inside, the walls are clad in knotty pine, exuding a subtle, earthy aroma.
    — Brian Cicioni, Travel + Leisure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This preserves their integrity while maintaining their fresh flavor and aroma.
    — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of aroma
Noun
  • Like the best perfume, Swift’s songs transport us to another place, another time.
    — Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
  • On and Off the Avenue Rachel Syme on nostalgia in new perfumes.
    — Rhoda Feng, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfume

Browse Nearby Words

fragments
fragrance
fragrances
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Cite this Entry

“Fragrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragrance. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fragrance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fragrance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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