fragrance

noun

fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s How to pronounce fragrance (audio)
Synonyms of fragrance
1
a
: a sweet or delicate odor (as of fresh flowers, pine trees, or perfume)
b
: something (such as a perfume) compounded to give off a sweet or pleasant odor
2
: the quality or state of having a sweet odor

Synonyms of fragrance

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fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor.

fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

Examples of fragrance in a Sentence

a flower with a lovely fragrance the fragrance of lilac trees in full bloom
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.
Lavender Lavender is a popular garden perennial for its pleasantly calming fragrance and profuse purple blooms. — Alexandra Jones, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026 This pretty fixture works hard as a table lamp, candle warmer, and decor piece, offering a smoke-free way to add ambient light and fragrance to your space without the fire hazard. — Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2026 Guidance from the American Academy of Ophthalmology emphasizes a wearer washing their hands thoroughly with fragrance-free soap and water before touching the eye area to insert lenses. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Her ventures eventually stretched into books, beauty, fragrances, food, and other consumer products. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fragrance

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fragrance was in 1667

Browse Nearby Words

Fragonard
fragrance
fragrancy
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Cite this Entry

“Fragrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fragrance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fragrance

noun
fra·​grance ˈfrā-grən(t)s How to pronounce fragrance (audio)
: a sweet, pleasant, and often flowery or fruity smell

More from Merriam-Webster on fragrance

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fragrance

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