thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthi-kən How to pronounce thicken (audio)
thickened; thickening ˈthik-niŋ How to pronounce thicken (audio)
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 How to pronounce thicken (audio)
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 As the Saturday storm approaches, clouds will lower and thicken into Friday night before showers become possible pre-dawn Saturday. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 For example, researchers are exploring swapping out the usual battery electrolyte and replacing it with an alternative electrolyte that doesn't thicken at cold temperatures. Wesley Chang, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024 Stir, then microwave for 1 minute more, or until the soup has thickened and is bubbling hot. Nancy Baggett, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Among weightlifters, the heart remodels itself by thickening in response to the increase in pressure applied on the heart. William Cornwell, The Conversation, 21 Feb. 2024 Flour: Adding all-purpose flour thickens the filling and helps prevent it from being too watery. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024 Despite frigid temperatures, that must have been enough insulation to keep the crust from thickening to a safe depth. Nick Fasciano, Outdoor Life, 8 Feb. 2024 Across pop culture, on dating apps, and likely in your friend groups, there is a thickening curiosity around the variations unconventional romance can assume. Jason Parham, WIRED, 6 Feb. 2024 Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently, for 2 minutes, until thickened further. Ellie Krieger, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thicken.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of thicken was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near thicken

Cite this Entry

“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thicken. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

thicken

verb
thick·​en ˈthik-ən How to pronounce thicken (audio)
thickened; thickening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce thicken (audio)
1
: to make or become thick, dense, or viscous
thicken gravy with flour
2
: to become complicated
the plot thickens
thickener noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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