Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aroma contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aroma are odor, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related as synonyms of aroma?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

In what contexts can scent take the place of aroma?

Although the words scent and aroma have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

When is smell a more appropriate choice than aroma?

While the synonyms smell and aroma are close in meaning, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

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 aroma Asus’ curiously named Adol 14 Air is a laptop with an aroma diffuser built in to keep your immediate workspace smelling pleasant with a fragrance of your liking. John Burek, PCMAG, 10 Jan. 2025 Our exploration was interrupted by the sound of music and laughter, accompanied by the nostalgic aroma of comfort food floating through the air. Edward Buckles Jr., TIME, 7 Jan. 2025 Espresso is meant to be savored in just a few sips, allowing its rich aromas and bold flavors to shine without distractions. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025 The Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia is a blonde roast coffee featuring ginger blossom aromas and notes of tangerine, lemon balm, and sweet dates. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aroma 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aroma
Noun
  • Eyewitnesses recalled the scent of burning, with guests’ screams filling the upper floors of the hotel.
    Alex Stambaugh, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The smell of smoke briefly overwhelmed the scent of Carlene Sutherland’s cherry pie and Sharon Tanner’s vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Meanwhile, the smell of those baked goods draws Vance (Rocky Carroll, who also directed this week’s episode) to Kasie’s (Diona Reasonover) lab, where the contents of Eleni’s kitchen have been sent for analysis.
    Sara Netzley, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Now there are many nights when the smell of chicken manure keeps Huntley and his wife from their porch.
    Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • With so many comparisons, their head-to-head matchup has an aura of inevitability.
    Oskar Garcia, The Athletic, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Pisces! January begins with the love planet slipping into your sign, adorning your aura and love life with whimsical charm and a dreamy aesthetic that’s irresistible and alluring, perfect for calling in your soul mate.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Dior is renowned for its cutting-edge skin care products and inspiring fragrances.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Like prior Cacharel fragrances, such as Anaïs Anaïs from 1978, Ella Ella has a repeating name.
    Jennifer Weil, WWD, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The film captures the atmosphere of Iran in the 1980s and ’90s remarkably well for having been shot in Italy and directed by an Israeli who has never set foot in the country.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Its woodsy accents and cozy atmosphere are sure to draw you in.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The team then decided to add this all-important acetone into the outer layer of a coaxial needle, surrounding the silk and dopamine in the inner needle layer to enable the liquid to shoot straight into the air.
    Sophie Charara, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2025
  • The Deerfield Beach reptile store owner, Benjamin Herman Siegel, 40, who threw a bearded dragon lizard in the air, swung it around, and slapped his employees with the poor critter, according to a Broward Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
    Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Besides Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, no other Lay’s products, flavors, or sizes have been impacted by this recall.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 29 Jan. 2025
  • No other Lay’s flavors, sizes or products are included in the recall.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 29 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near aroma

Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aroma. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on aroma

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!