congeal

verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjēl 

congealed; congealing; congeals

transitive verb

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

The cold congealed the water into ice.

2

: to make viscid or curdled : coagulate

3

: to make rigid, fixed, or immobile

intransitive verb

: to become congealed : solidify

Oil congeals at cold temperatures.

congealment

kən-ˈjēl-mənt 

noun

Synonyms of congeal

• freeze
• harden

Examples of congeal in a Sentence

The gravy began to congeal in the pan.

the surface of the pond congealed after several days of frigid temperatures

Recent Examples on the Web

Nu Jazz are a New York supergroup that’s congealed out of a handful of overlapping scenes. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

What began as a flurry of rumors about his next destination has now congealed into a protracted waiting game, one that has NBA teams, fans and even the league office looking at their proverbial watches. — Joe Vardon, New York Times, 23 July 2026

Instead, mud, water, splintered wood, smoke, skin, and more congeal into the same revolting sensory wavelength for a result that’s occasionally cosmic. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 July 2026

All of it can congeal into too much, separating New Yorkers for a season from New Yorkers for life. — ABC News, 2 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English congelen, from Middle French congeler, from Latin congelare, from com- + gelare to freeze — more at cold

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for congeal

• abele
• alkyl
• anneal
• appeal
• cartwheel
• conceal
• coquille
• corneal
• cornmeal
• flywheel
• genteel
• handwheel

Kids Definition

congeal

verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjē(ə)l 

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

2

: to make or become stiff, thick, or lumpy : coagulate

Medical Definition

congeal

transitive verb

con·​geal kən-ˈjē(ə)l 

1

: to change from a fluid to a solid state by or as if by cold

2

: to make viscid or curdled : coagulate

intransitive verb

: to become congealed