Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective redolent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redolent are aromatic, fragrant, and odorous. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

When is it sensible to use aromatic instead of redolent?

In some situations, the words aromatic and redolent are roughly equivalent. However, aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When can fragrant be used instead of redolent?

The words fragrant and redolent can be used in similar contexts, but fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

In what contexts can odorous take the place of redolent?

The words odorous and redolent are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

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 redolent These aromatic, and often limited-edition, hydrators pair two of the best beauty characteristics—redolent scents and advanced moisture. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024 Korean cuisine is often associated with beef: bulgogi or kalbi or the do-it-yourself braziers that leave your hair and skin redolent of smoke. Peggy Orenstein, AFAR Media, 6 Jan. 2025 Joni Mitchell, Joni Mitchell Archives — Vol. 3: The Asylum Years Weaving through 2024 with these albums as my guiding lights made for a year redolent of some larger chaos. Rolling Stone, 28 Dec. 2024 The nose is redolent of overripe banana, sweet apple, and a hint of tar; on the palate, sweet notes of pineapple, coconut and vanilla are met by a dry, peppery spice. Tony Sachs, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redolent 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redolent
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • The team also collected large bags of aromatic air around the mummies so that a panel of people from Egypt and Europe could use their noses to identify top notes of the smells, similar to what is done nowadays for fine wines or whiskeys.
    Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025
  • In both cases, the addition of the aromatic white adds a light floral lift to the wine’s bouquet.
    Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • This is largely thanks to the materials applied to the mummies, which included scented waxes, coniferous resins and oils made from pine, cedar, and juniper, as well as gum resins such as frankincense and myrrh.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Avoid bubble baths, douches, and scented soaps or lotions.
    Wendy Wisner, Health, 4 Feb. 2025

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Thesaurus Entries Near redolent

Cite this Entry

“Redolent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redolent. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redolent

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