Synonyms of aroma

aroma

noun

ə-ˈrō-mə 

1

as in scent

a sweet or pleasant smell

I love the aroma of bread baking in the oven

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• perfume
• bouquet
• incense
• balm
• spice
• attar
• otto
• redolence
• essence
• odor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stench
• stink
• reek
• malodor
• fetor

2

as in smell

the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose

the ripe aroma of a sweatshirt that's in dire need of laundering

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scent
• smell
• stench
• fragrance
• sniff
• odor
• redolence
• perfume
• fragrancy
• whiff
• savour
• attar
• otto
• bouquet
• lusciousness
• funk
• rankness
• spice
• malodor
• musk
• rancidity
• aromaticity
• fetor
• tang
• savoriness
• savor
• incense
• ambrosia
• stink
• foulness
• reek
• gaminess
• acridness
• fetidness
• noisomeness
• odorousness
• odoriferousness

3

as in aura

a special quality or impression associated with something

the aroma of wealth and privilege that pervades the manicured confines of the country club

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aura
• smell
• atmosphere
• air
• flavor
• odor
• ambiance
• ambience
• mood
• sense
• feel
• climate
• feeling
• patina
• halo
• karma
• temper
• nimbus
• vibration(s)
• note
• romance
• mystique
• characteristic
• image
• sensation
• aureole
• spirit
• property
• aureola
• tone
• trait
• illusion
• attribute
• peculiarity
• overtone
• notion
• genius loci
• semblance
• color
• character
• suggestion
• picture
• mark

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

Recent Examples of aroma

The draw is a unique variety that grows mainly in the Kenyan highlands, the namesake Juniperus procera, which evokes an earth and spice quality that complements an aroma less green and sharp on the palate as its Euro counterparts. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025

The air was infused with the opulent notes of leather, raspberry, and cardamom, showcasing Forever Wanted Elixir’s irresistible aroma. —Evan Burke, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025

The Classic immediately gave us high hopes just from the aroma alone. —Jamie Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 14 Mar. 2025

Bright, intense purple; heady aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, lavender and a hint of clove. —Tom Hyland, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025