thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthi-kən 

thickened; thickening ˈthik-niŋ 

ˈthi-kə-

intransitive verb

1

a

: to become dense

the mist thickened

b

: to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency

2

: to grow blurred or obscure

3

: to grow broader or bulkier

4

: to grow complicated or keen

the plot thickens

transitive verb

1

a

: to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency

thicken gravy with flour

b

: to make close or compact

2

: to increase the depth or diameter of

3

: to make inarticulate : blur

alcohol thickened his speech

thickener

ˈthik-nər 

ˈthi-kə-

noun

Examples of thicken in a Sentence

I thickened the gravy with flour.

When the mixture thickens, add the remaining ingredients.

The fog thickened when night fell.

Recent Examples on the Web

Estrogen replacement therapy: Hormones used to prevent osteoporosis and menopause symptoms can lead to incontinence by thickening the walls of the urethra. —James Myhre & Dennis Sifris, Md, Verywell Health, 8 July 2024

Stir in the remaining ingredients and simmer until the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. —Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024

Even with no hiccups, the boreholes could take days to drill, especially where Thwaites thickens to more than a half mile. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 June 2024

To make dipping sauce Ingredients: 4 tablespoons soy sauce paste ½ tablespoon sugar 1 cup water ½ tablespoon glutinous rice flour Mix the above ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil and cook until thickened. —Michelle Tchea, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthik-ən 

thickened; thickening -(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become thick, dense, or viscous

thicken gravy with flour

2

: to become complicated

the plot thickens

thickener

-(ə-)nər 

noun