fragrant

adjective

ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
Definition of fragrantnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 To walk deep into the mountain forests at the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, is to encounter the fragrant majesty of century-old ponderosa pine trees famous for lining ski slopes, National Park trails and residential neighborhoods. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 As the Eastern starting point of the Silk Road with a prominent Muslim population, Xi’an’s culinary tradition is known for fragrant spices, street skewers and starch-heavy noodles. — Sam Flemming, AJC.com, 4 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for fragrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragrant
  1. aromatic
  2. scented
Adjective
  • Beyond it, the terrace blooms with 12 trees, aromatic roses, and clematis.
    — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of aromatic
Adjective
  • Some patients might be totally fine with scented products, while others may be sensitive to them.
    — Kara McGrath, Allure, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Each fragrance is available as a $49 eau de parfum; a $25 body, hair and linen mist; a $20 solid fragrance that doubles as a bag charm, and a $10 scented candle.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of scented

Browse Nearby Words

fragrancy
fragrant
frail
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragrant. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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