AROMA Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

aroma

noun

ə-ˈrō-mə

Definition of aroma

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

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

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

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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 Our wine ages for a full year in French oak, where the wood’s precise porosity allows just the right exchange with oxygen — softening the wine, concentrating its aromas and flavours, building complexity no machine can replicate. — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026 The aroma is complemented by hints of bergamot, sage, neroli, and musk, too. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 28 Sep. 2026 The scent of café de olla mingled with the aromas of tamales, soups and stews as the chatter in the restaurant grew louder. — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026 The green contains glucosinolates, the compounds behind its sharp aroma and bitter kick. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aroma

Recent Examples of Synonyms for aroma

Noun

These aren’t leather scents (new cars, edgy jackets, saddles), which have been done since 1781, when The House of Creed first made Royal English Leather for King George III.

— Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
With consistent use, our top picks also helped improve the appearance of discoloration, bumps, and uneven tone, while offering a pleasant scent and comfortable wear.

— Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of scent

Noun

The breakthrough underpins modern drug development, because mirror-image versions of the same molecule can behave differently in the body — and can even produce different smells.

— Adithi Ramakrishnan, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
The report quoted Shipilova's neighbors as saying a team of disinfection experts did several cleanups of her apartment, leaving a strong antiseptic smell.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of smell

Noun

This changes when moving off-center past about 30 degrees, at which point the objects show a wide aura around them.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026
Defined by Victorian era elements like lace and semi-sheer material with severe silhouettes and gothic styles, the dark glamour look punctuated the general edgy aura of Charli XCX’s alt pop star wardrobe.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of aura

Noun

The spa The atmosphere of the entire resort is quite tranquil, and feels spa-like itself.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
That climate pattern sees the heating of ocean waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific, which spur changes in the atmosphere that can affect weather around the world.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of atmosphere

Noun

The sound of the music was one thing—even when Stereolab were at their loungiest or Stars of the Lid were including the key in which a song was composed in its title, there was something like the faintest air of rock music in their experiments.

— Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
Two weeks into fighting, the unforgiving mountainous terrain, heavy Saudi and government air power, and a reenergized anti-Houthi coalition have kept the Houthi advance in check, preventing a collapse on the level of that in mid-September.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of air

Noun

Named after the Victoria Regia, a water lily that floats in the Amazon, this hotel imbues Colombian flavor with elegant French touches.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026
But, pounded thin, breaded, and fried, served under lashings of sweet-sharp blackberry sauce, with a confetti of whole blackberries and leaves of mint, the lamb version was brilliant and bizarre, a symphony of strong-willed flavors.

— Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of flavor

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“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/aroma. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of aroma

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