fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
Synonyms of fragrant
: having a sweet or pleasant smell
fragrantly adverb

Synonyms of fragrant

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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
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.
Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 Harvesting fragrant basil leaves for use in dishes like pesto is one of the joys of summer for gardeners. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026 Choose from a cliffside breakfast corner, a shaded patio, or a fragrant garden that includes herb bushes and citrus trees. — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026 The streets are lined with fresh fish laid out on beds of ice and barrels filled with fragrant spices sold at a quarter of the price found in the Grand Bazaar. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrant

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragrant was in the 15th century

Rhymes for fragrant

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Browse Nearby Words

fragrancy
fragrant
fragrant balm
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Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragrant. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fragrant

adjective
fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
: having a sweet or agreeable smell
fragrantly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrant

Nglish: Translation of fragrant for Spanish Speakers

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