fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or pleasant smell

fragrantly adverb

Synonyms of fragrant

• aromatic
• scented

Choose the Right Synonym for fragrant

odorous, fragrant, redolent, aromatic mean emitting and diffusing scent.

odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant.

odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Examples of fragrant in a Sentence

The soup was fragrant with herbs and spices.

the balsam fir is a favorite as a Christmas tree because it is so fragrant

Recent Examples on the Web

Cut some lilac branches for a beautiful and fragrant bouquet. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026

One go-to weeknight dinner option is pesto—a versatile, herb-forward sauce that comes together quickly and is very fragrant. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026

Spring flowers, which can be fragrant, attract butterflies, while the fruit that follows attracts birds. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026

Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek leaves and cook until fragrant and slightly golden, about 60 seconds. —Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin fragrant-, fragrans, from present participle of fragrare to be fragrant

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fragrant

• flagrant
• vagrant

Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt 

: having a sweet or agreeable smell

fragrantly adverb