Synonyms of aromatic

aromatic

adjective

ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik 

as in fragrant

having a pleasant smell

aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Recent Examples of aromatic

Giant thread leaf hyssop or licorice mint (Agastache rupestris) is an especially aromatic and reliable garden performer with silvery foliage accompanied by a generous proliferation of orange flower spikes. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Feb. 2025

The team also collected large bags of aromatic air around the mummies so that a panel of people from Egypt and Europe could use their noses to identify top notes of the smells, similar to what is done nowadays for fine wines or whiskeys. —Sarah Everts, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Feb. 2025

To suit the occasion, Olivier Polge whipped up a powdery, aromatic blend sure to make heads turn. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 11 Feb. 2025

In both cases, the addition of the aromatic white adds a light floral lift to the wine’s bouquet. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 11 Feb. 2025