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

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 Kaffir lime, bumpy and bitter-tasting fruit of the species Citrus hystrix, known for its fragrant leaves. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026 Plant this fragrant perennial in 6 to 8 hours of full sun for the easiest care and best performance. — Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 29 June 2026 There are fragrant flowers, rose bushes in the backyard of the private villas, rows of lavender alongside the streets, plus cypress, figs, pines and more. — Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 At the northern tip of the peninsula, Washington Island is worth the ferry ride for its fragrant lavender fields and one-of-a-kind Schoolhouse Beach, where smooth limestone rocks replace sand along the shoreline. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Midwest Living, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrant
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fragrant
  1. aromatic
  2. scented
Adjective
  • The vines work hard to take root, and from their struggle come wines that are bold, aromatic, and uniquely Croatian.
    — Tia Lovisa Moreira, Travel + Leisure, 2 July 2026
  • Like sage, basil is an aromatic herb with strong natural oils that can negatively affect the flavor of cucumbers.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
Definition of aromatic
Adjective
  • Gold Bond recently released its Refreshing Hand Creams, a collection of four lightly scented, ultra-hydrating hand creams that stave off scaly, flaky hands without leaving behind a greasy residue.
    — Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • This does not mean that every scented lotion or shampoo is harmful.
    — Brad Reisfeld, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Definition of scented

Browse Nearby Words

fragrancy
fragrant
frail
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Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragrant. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on fragrant

Nglish: Translation of fragrant for Spanish Speakers

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