fragrant

adjective

fra·​grant ˈfrā-grənt How to pronounce fragrant (audio)
: having a sweet or pleasant smell
fragrantly adverb
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
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.
Botanical Name: Mimulus x hybridus Sun Exposure: Partial shade Soil Type: Clay, loam, sand Soil pH: Neutral 10 of 11 White Tobacco White tobacco has large, dramatic leaves and showy, fragrant clusters of pendent white flowers that look like a burst of shooting stars. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025 Best of all, fragrant herbs keep destructive insects away from zinnia flowers, and zinnias return the favor by attracting predatory insects that feed on herb pests. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025 Purple mouse ears, fragrant fritillary and woodland wooly thread tend to grow primarily in serpentine habitats, as do the Coastal tidy tips and the California poppy. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2025 The white hue also matches the fragrant flowers, Easter bunny, and host of other things that pop up at this time of year. Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fragrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragrant. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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