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
  • The quick-drying, streak-free finish ensures a flawless application every time, while the refreshing coconut scent adds a touch of tropical luxury.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
  • That’s where this body oil comes in with its warm vanilla scent and glimmering finish.
    — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 1 June 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
  • Then, Mercury and Jupiter both enter your sign (on June 8th and June 9th), bringing the spotlight straight to your aura.
    — Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 May 2025
  • Like Taurus, Aidan is a romantic at heart and has a tenderness in his aura.
    — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 28 May 2025
Definition of aura
Noun
  • But that doesn’t just mean dessert-esque fragrances—the note can go sophisticated and subtle.
    — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Strong Artificial Smells Filling your home with a beautiful fragrance is a great way to freshen up the space, create an ambience, and even mask unwanted pet odors!
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 May 2025
Definition of fragrance
Noun
  • Ultimately, professor Bayram says, the Gaziantep baklava known today was shaped by the local ingredients, the atmosphere and climate of the city — and by local chefs who were consumed with perfecting the recipe and passed that obsession along to their apprentices.
    — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 7 June 2025
  • Game 3 is back in Sunrise Monday, and if Game 2’s Panthers watch party was any preview, expect a wild atmosphere.
    — Adam Beasley, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
Definition of atmosphere
Noun
  • The first Trump administration stacked the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which advises EPA on setting health-protective air quality standards, with opponents of environmental regulation, including people connected to industries the EPA regulates.
    — H. Christopher Frey, The Conversation, 5 June 2025
  • For students at Muir, school was cancelled for over three weeks, reopening at the end of January when environmental testing determined there were no air contaminants lingering from wildfire debris.
    — Simmone Shah, Time, 5 June 2025
Definition of air
Noun
  • Onions in the ground beef mixture incorporate moisture and caramelize nicely while searing for extra flavor.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 May 2025
  • 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
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 11 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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