AROMATIC Synonyms: 42 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'aromatic' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aromatic are fragrant , odorous , and redolent . While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors. // an aromatic blend of tobaccos

Q: When might 'fragrant' be a better fit than 'aromatic'?

The meanings of fragrant and aromatic largely overlap; however, fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors. // a fragrant rose

Q: When is 'odorous' a more appropriate choice than 'aromatic'?

The synonyms odorous and aromatic are sometimes interchangeable, but odorous applies to whatever has a strong distinctive smell whether pleasant or unpleasant. // odorous cheeses should be tightly wrapped

Q: When is it sensible to use 'redolent' instead of 'aromatic'?

While the synonyms redolent and aromatic are close in meaning, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors. // the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

aromatic

adjective

ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik

Definition of aromatic

as in fragrant

having a pleasant smell aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

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How does the adjective aromatic contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aromatic are fragrant, odorous, and redolent. While all these words mean "emitting and diffusing scent," aromatic applies to things emitting pungent often fresh odors.

an aromatic blend of tobaccos

When might fragrant be a better fit than aromatic?

The meanings of fragrant and aromatic largely overlap; however, fragrant applies to things (such as flowers or spices) with sweet or agreeable odors.

a fragrant rose

When is odorous a more appropriate choice than aromatic?

The synonyms odorous and aromatic 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 it sensible to use redolent instead of aromatic?

While the synonyms redolent and aromatic are close in meaning, redolent applies usually to a place or thing impregnated with odors.

the kitchen was redolent of garlic and tomatoes

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 aromatic Just pit and slice the aromatic stone fruit, then toss it with a bit of sugar and flour before piling it into a baking dish. — Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 Credit the influence of millennial and Gen Z luxury consumers for the aromatic acceleration. — Howard Cohen july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 The grid menu guides imbibers to their next taste of its classic and aromatic wines, noting characteristics ranging from rich to funky and from herbal to fruity. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling and aromatic. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for aromatic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aromatic

Adjective

Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.

— ABC News, ABC News, 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

Definition of fragrant

Adjective

Dove got a very early start on the holidays this year with the release of several holiday-scented body products on sale now at Walmart.

— Kelsey Legg, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
The spa The excellent Nordic spa offers a pine-scented sauna, an array of treatment options, and a fitness studio.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of scented

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aromas

aromatic

aromaticities

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“Aromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aromatic. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of aromatic

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