fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or pleasant smell

fragrantly adverb

Synonyms

• ambrosial
• aromatic
• perfumed
• redolent
• savory
• savoury
• scented
• sweet

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

What Is Palak Paneer? Palak Paneer is a popular Indian dish consisting of paneer (fresh Indian cottage cheese cubes), fragrant spices, and a creamy spinach sauce. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2025

Note, however, that the deliciously fragrant flowers that turn into coffee cherries (which, like the foliage, are toxic until they’re dried and roasted) likely won’t bloom unless the plant reaches 3 feet. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Feb. 2025

Outside, the fragrant gardens burst with lady’s slipper orchids, roses, salvia, and citrus trees. —Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025

Her hearty, fragrant recipe is filled with three different alliums (leeks, onion and garlic) as well as carrots and thyme, all of which bolster the thick broth, adding sweetness and depth. —Ali Slagle, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or agreeable smell

fragrantly adverb