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 Proxies Blank Slate Non-Alcoholic Wine Alternative, $25 Juicy and dry with apricot and grape aromas, easy to drink. Eric Asimov, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The bourbon features oak, rye spices, sweet caramel, toasted rye bread, and vanilla aromas. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 Strain recommendation apps often provide educational content on different cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes (the compounds responsible for flavor and aroma), and their effects. Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2025 The wine offers intense blackberry, mocha, and cassis aromas with subtle earthy undertones. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aroma
Noun
  • Prouvost engage audiences in quantum fundamentals not through complex explanations of concepts like qubits, but through video and sound developed with a quantum computer, as well scent and sculptural elements reflecting quantum phenomena.
    Leslie Katz, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Bring them into your home, too — at least the scent of them with this Yankee Candle.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • But the smell of desperation is still palpable, Axios Closer author Nathan Bomey writes.
    Mike Allen, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
  • This scent can be used to mask the smell of peppers as well as tomatoes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • In this scenario, the most likely outcome would involve Punk pinning Seth Rollins, providing a decisive conclusion to their ongoing feud with a clear pinfall victory, while strategically preserving Roman Reigns' aura of dominance and mystique by avoiding a direct pinfall loss to Punk.
    David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Like Napoleon’s Uncle Rico, who dwells on his long-ago high-school-football days, Garrett is living in the faded aura of past glory: in his case, a 1989 video-game championship.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • While many of its fragrances are available stateside, thanks to Nordstrom, one of the best is Cedre Superfluide.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Kylie Jenner’s Kylie Cosmetics (still majority-owned by Coty) is understood to have had success with its fragrances Cosmic Kylie Jenner Eau De Parfum and Cosmic 2.0.
    Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than 2,300 rocket bodies orbiting the Earth can't be controlled and will eventually reenter the atmosphere, according to Nature.com.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • The ensemble even included someone whose sole purpose was to deliver tequila shots to the musicians and hold Junior H’s red solo cup, generating a party atmosphere both onstage and in the audience.
    Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The one caveat to this process is that if an air stone is used in the water while steeping, a thicker concentration of microorganisms will likely be generated in the tea.
    Anthony Reardon, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Here's what to know about Season 2. Review: ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 finds its horrors but loses the plot What time does 'The Last of Us' Season 2 air?
    Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • According to the official tasting notes, there are flavors of red fruit, cola, vanilla, and barrel spice on the palate, with a warm, lingering finish.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Next to the garden, there is a recreational area with its sand playground and an ice cream cart, serving flavors including lavender honey, figs, peach basil, as well as olive oil and lemon sorbet.
    Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aroma. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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