fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or pleasant smell

fragrantly adverb

Synonyms of fragrant

• aromatic
• scented

Choose the Right Synonym for fragrant

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of fragrant in a Sentence

The soup was fragrant with herbs and spices.

the balsam fir is a favorite as a Christmas tree because it is so fragrant

Recent Examples on the Web

These fragrant plants add beautiful, blue-purple flowers to a landscape, along with soft, subtle foliage. —Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 6 June 2026

Toast the rice, stirring occasionally, until dry, fragrant and light golden (some golden brown spots are OK), about 5 minutes. —Emily Weinstein, Twin Cities, 4 June 2026

The primary reason to grow roses is to enjoy their colorful and often fragrant flowers. —Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2026

The all-wood holistic spa experience is unique, a mix of slather-and-scrub treatments with colored clay, mineral salts, and fragrant herbal oils. —Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin fragrant-, fragrans, from present participle of fragrare to be fragrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fragrant

• flagrant
• vagrant

Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or agreeable smell

fragrantly adverb