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
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Cut some lilac branches for a beautiful and fragrant bouquet.—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2026 One go-to weeknight dinner option is pesto—a versatile, herb-forward sauce that comes together quickly and is very fragrant.—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026 Spring flowers, which can be fragrant, attract butterflies, while the fruit that follows attracts birds.—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 1 May 2026 Add the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek leaves and cook until fragrant and slightly golden, about 60 seconds.—Madhushree Basu Roy, Saveur, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrant
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin fragrant-, fragrans, from present participle of fragrare to be fragrant