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 Inspired by March’s lunar eclipse, the fragrance’s refreshing, spiced aroma is otherworldly yet elegant. —Alia Yee Noll, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 2025 Pronounced aromas of charred oak, caramelized banana, vanilla bean, and fresh-baked cornbread are featured on the nose. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025 The sweet, earthy aroma after a late August rainstorm. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 17 May 2025 The aroma is generally perceived as less pronounced in drinking water. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 16 May 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
  • There’s a fragrance-free option, which dries down to have zero scent on the skin.
    — Kristin Canning, Wired News, 21 May 2025
  • The formula is also conditioning, thanks to shea butter, non-sticky, and has a delicious sweet scent.
    — Essence, Essence, 20 May 2025
Definition of scent
Noun
  • Being in nature offers them plenty of exercise and a world of exciting new smells to explore.
    — Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
  • Off odors or taste: If the jam has a sour or fermented smell or off-taste, it should be discarded.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Definition of smell
Noun
  • The aura is a hip, wide-open two-floor plan that breaks down traditional barriers, is inclusive and invites collaboration.
    — Justin Kroll, Deadline, 21 May 2025
  • Despite this, there is one thing that Hogan did unbelievably well that many WWE Superstars have trouble matching to this day: his aura and presentation.
    — Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025
Definition of aura
Noun
  • In 2022, a federal law required the FDA to develop guidelines for disclosing fragrance allergens in certain SPF products by July 2024, the report stated.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Many Torti fragrances focus on single-note essences, capturing the essence of raw materials in their most authentic form.
    — Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • It was therefore expected that — even if tentative — the detection of a potential biomarker in the atmosphere of an exoplanet would have extensive coverage.
    — Victoria Corless, Space.com, 25 May 2025
  • Fans both in person and online noted the electric atmosphere of the concert.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 25 May 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • Some say the resulting Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs, which included an image of a bloody Trump defiantly throwing his first in the air, won him the election.
    — M. J. Corey, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
  • Be sure the lid is tightly sealed to limit exposure to air, moisture, and bacteria.
    — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
Definition of air
Noun
  • Starbucks will be introducing four new Frappuccino beverages in July, but this week offered USA TODAY a sneak peek at the flavors.
    — Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 29 May 2025
  • These dishes are carefully crafted to ensure that the cannabis element complements the flavors of the food without overwhelming the experience.
    — Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 29 May 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 4 Jun. 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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