Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective fragrant contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of fragrant are aromatic, odorous, and redolent. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

When might aromatic be a better fit than fragrant?

The meanings of aromatic and fragrant largely overlap; however, aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When is it sensible to use odorous instead of fragrant?

The synonyms odorous and fragrant are sometimes interchangeable, but odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

When is redolent a more appropriate choice than fragrant?

The words redolent and fragrant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

Examples 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 fragrant As is typical in India, the bus was jam-packed with fragrant humanity, and I was squeezed into an aisle holding on for dear life as the bus lurched its way through town. New Atlas, 24 Dec. 2024 Stir in the garlic and cook until the garlic is fragrant, less than 1 minute. Peter Burke, Fox News, 14 Dec. 2024 How To Use Vanilla Beans Start by slicing the pod lengthwise with a sharp knife to expose the tiny, fragrant seeds. Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024 Small but mighty, a lemon cypress tree is a fragrant evergreen that's surprisingly easy to grow as a houseplant. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fragrant 

Thesaurus Entries Near fragrant

Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fragrant. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrant

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