aromatic

1 of 2

adjective

ar·o·mat·ic ˌa-rə-ˈma-tik

ˌer-ə-

Synonyms of aromatic next

: of, relating to, or having aroma:

: having a noticeable and pleasant smell : fragrant

aromatic herbs

aromatic wines

: having a strong smell

The peat burns with a pungently aromatic smoke.

: having a distinctive quality

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (such as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatically

ˌa-rə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē

ˌer-ə-

adverb

aromaticity

ˌa-rə-mə-ˈti-sə-tē

ˌer-ə-

ə-ˌrō-mə-

noun

aromatic

2 of 2

noun

: an aromatic plant or plant part

especially : an aromatic herb or spice

: an aromatic organic compound

Choose the Right Synonym for aromatic

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 aromatic in a Sentence

Adjective aromatic flowers can add greatly to the ambience of a room

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.

Adjective

These picks range from sultry ouds to aromatic tea blends, proving that 2025 will be yet another interesting year in fragrance. —

Venus Wong, refinery29.com, 31 Jan. 2025 Each of the brand’s fragrances are made of aromatic botanical and herbaceous ingredients, plus a signature woody note. —

Jennifer Weil, WWD, 25 Jan. 2025

Noun

The list of spices and aromatics in this jerk paste is lengthy, but the method is simple. —

Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025 Cooking the aromatics in the drippings from bacon provide a smoky, dynamic flavor to the soup. —

Renu Dhar, Southern Living, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for aromatic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English aromatyk, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French aromatik, aromatique, borrowed from Late Latin arōmaticus, borrowed from Greek arōmatikós, from arōmat-, árōma "fragrant substance, spice" (of obscure origin) + -ikos -ic entry 1

Noun

Middle English aromatyke, noun derivative of aromatyk aromatic entry 1

Note: Compare Anglo-French aromatic "aromatic drink," Medieval Latin arōmaticus "kind of fragrant tree," Latin arōmaticum "fragrant eye ointment" (attested in an inscription).

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of aromatic was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Aromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatic. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.

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Kids Definition

aromatic

adjective

ar·o·mat·ic

ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik

: of, relating to, or having aroma

aromatic noun

Medical Definition

aromatic

1 of 2 adjective

ar·o·mat·ic ˌar-ə-ˈmat-ik

: of, relating to, or having a smell or odor

of an organic compound : characterized by increased chemical stability resulting from the delocalization of electrons in a ring system (as benzene) containing usually multiple conjugated double bonds compare alicyclic, aliphatic

aromatic

2 of 2 noun

: an aromatic plant, drug, or medicine

: an aromatic organic compound

Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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aromatic

adjective

noun

Synonyms

Examples of aromatic in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near aromatic

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition