FRAGRANT Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

fragrant

adjective

ˈfrā-grənt

Definition of fragrant

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 fragrant The fog rises from Mount Tamalpais like a spirit, slowly billowing over spears of feathery redwoods and fluffs of fragrant bay laurels. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The dazzling foliage of ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia is accented by a flush of fragrant white blooms in spring and sporadic flowers throughout summer and fall. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026 Beneath the balcony, this street, witness to and confidante of the entire twenty-three years of these young people’s lives, was languishing in the fragrant July night, densely thronged with strolling city dwellers even now. — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026 While exploring the property, guests may even spot the rose named in her honor—a fragrant hybrid tea with more than 100 petals in soft pinks and apricots. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrant

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragrant

Adjective

There are 1,775 square feet of green spaces, including aromatic plants, trees, flowers and fruits nodding to those found in Dior’s former abodes.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
Shu Shop, dark and inviting, is an izakaya and ramen spot with a tight list of gyoza, sashimi, and soups, and aromatic, low-ABV drinks.

— Leslie Pariseau, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of aromatic

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

Browse Nearby Words

fragrancy

fragrant

frail

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of fragrant

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

What's that Smell?! Quiz

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of fragrant

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to fragrant

What's that Smell?! Quiz

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes