Definition of aromaticnext

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

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 aromatic Rather than competing with richer Chardonnay styles or highly aromatic whites, Crozes-Hermitage has found its own lane through the partnership of Marsanne and Roussanne. Emily Cappiello, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Perfumer Aurelien Guichard gives lavender a musky, cashmeran frame, which helps pull it away from the usual aromatic clichés. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 25 June 2026 Reyes said her business sells incense, sage, palo santo wood, and copal, an aromatic tree resin. Emma Hall june 23, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026 Garlic Garlic is an aromatic herb popular in cooking. Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for aromatic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for aromatic
Adjective
  • There are fragrant flowers, rose bushes in the backyard of the private villas, rows of lavender alongside the streets, plus cypress, figs, pines and more.
    Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Kaffir lime, bumpy and bitter-tasting fruit of the species Citrus hystrix, known for its fragrant leaves.
    Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Any sweet scents—whether natural from flowers or manmade scented soaps and perfumes—attract wasps.
    Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 28 June 2026
  • Visitors can salsa dance in Puerto Rico, milk a mechanical cow in Michigan, walk through an orange-scented citrus grove in Florida, practice their lasso skills in Wyoming, pick up Mardi Gras beads in Louisiana, send a postcard from West Virginia and peruse a Waffle House menu in Georgia.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 26 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aromatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aromatic. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on aromatic

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster