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

• 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

And that was when things started to congeal. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025

While the rest of Burning Man celebrated, Kruglov lay prostrate on the ground at a faraway campsite in a comparatively desolate section of Black Rock City, his throat slashed, as a puddle of blood congealed around his lifeless body. —Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025

Might the thrill of their ambition congeal into something like obligation? —Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

From above, viewers can observe globules of a strange black fluid congealing, popping, and morphing unexpectedly inside of it. —Christy Lange, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

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
• foveal
• genteel

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