Synonyms of fragrant

fragrant

adjective

ˈfrā-grənt 

as in aromatic

having a pleasant smell

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aromatic
• scented
• perfumed
• spicy
• sweet
• redolent
• savory
• ambrosial
• fresh
• pungent
• flowery
• odorous
• odoriferous
• odiferous
• fruity
• pure
• clean
• odored

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• smelly
• malodorous
• fetid
• stinky
• putrid
• strong
• stinking
• rancid
• noisome
• foul
• reeking
• odorless
• rank
• unscented
• skunky
• stale
• reeky
• stenchy
• musty
• fusty
• stenchful
• gamy

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fragrant

The 2-mile, out-and-back moderate hike ended up being a solid workout with views of East County and it was lined with fragrant coastal sage scrub vegetation. —Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026

At the top of this list is fernleaf acacia (Acacia baileyana), a wonderful small tree with bipinnate blue-grey leaves and fragrant yellow spherical flower puffs. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026

Dinner that night was in a guava orchard with fragrant blooms under a rising full moon. —Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026

Growing fragrant plants, such as mock orange, lilacs, and heliotropes, near front doors and driveways can make walking to your door after a long day of work a truly transportive experience. —Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 15 Apr. 2026