aroma

noun

ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce aroma (audio)
Definition of aromanext
1
as in scent
a sweet or pleasant smell I love the aroma of bread baking in the oven

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smell
the quality of a thing that makes it perceptible to the sense organs in the nose the ripe aroma of a sweatshirt that's in dire need of laundering

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in aura
a special quality or impression associated with something the aroma of wealth and privilege that pervades the manicured confines of the country club

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun aroma contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of aroma are odor, scent, and smell. While all these words mean "the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense," aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

How are the words odor and smell related as synonyms of aroma?

Odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

In what contexts can scent take the place of aroma?

Although the words scent and aroma have much in common, scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

When is smell a more appropriate choice than aroma?

While the synonyms smell and aroma are close in meaning, smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

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 aroma Each slices of strawberry delight is sweet and lightly floral with the ripe strawberries adding in their aroma and sweet tart flavor. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 Both leaves and flowers emit a sweet, fruity aroma and can be dried for a calming tea. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 Those who have been coming long enough say there is a certain smell that only an old bowling alley has — a peculiar but adored aroma from another generation. —Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2025 These fragrant groundcovers offer pleasing aromas and colorful flowers. —Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aroma
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aroma
  1. scent
  2. smell
  3. aura
  4. fragrance
  5. atmosphere
  6. air
  7. flavor
Noun
  • Both scents are available in body sprays and aluminum-free deodorant sticks, joining AXE’s existing lineup of fan favorites like Blue Lavender and Black Vanilla.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room.
    — Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • British animal charity International Cat Care explains that the best way to introduce felines is following a five step method which starts with scent swapping, allowing each cat to familiarize with the other feline's smell before a face to face meeting.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The roar of generators and smell of fumes filled the air as a growing number of Puerto Ricans renewed calls for the government to cancel the contracts with Luma Energy, which oversees the transmission and distribution of power, and Genera PR, which oversees generation.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of smell
Noun
  • In videos and photos on social media, Leake, now in his early fifties, had the aura of an elder-statesman goth punk.
    — David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2025
  • The overwhelming majority of those games have not carried the aura of a special occasion in the way UEFA Champions League or Copa Libertadores fixtures can in Europe and South America.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of aura
Noun
  • The Knowles-Carter’s fragrance Cé Lumière will be sold at select Ulta Beauty stores and on the cosmetic retailer’s official website, marking its first availability beyond Knowles-Carter’s official website.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Each flower also features a striking scent of citrus and honeysuckle, guaranteed to grace both your home and garden with its sweet fragrance.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • More than 2,300 rocket bodies orbiting the Earth can't be controlled and will eventually reenter the atmosphere, according to Nature.com.
    — Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025
  • And the present environment, with harsh temperatures, intense radiation, and a sparse atmosphere, isn’t exactly propitious for life.
    — Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Here's what to know about Season 2. Review: ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 finds its horrors but loses the plot What time does 'The Last of Us' Season 2 air?
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC, followed by SVU at 9 p.m. ET.
    — Alex Ross, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of air
Noun
  • The latest limited-edition flavor to grace the shelves of your local grocery store is one of the brand’s first sweet-and-savory innovations, creating a very special cookie born from a beloved snack.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Every Friday, the family-friendly Thalassa Brunch transforms the cozy setting into a lively evening filled with Greek flavors and music from a live band and DJ that eventually sees diners take to the floor.
    — Natasha Amar, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of flavor

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Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aroma. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on aroma

Nglish: Translation of aroma for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aroma

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