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

In the adjacent living room, the remains of a lobster dinner were congealing. —Timothy Crouse, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2025

Especially with The Minecraft Movie congealing at the two-month mark. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025

The storms are expected to congeal into lines of storms, with damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2025

Over time, these criticisms congeal into narratives. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 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