1
as in froze
to become physically firm or solid
the surface of the pond congealed after several days of frigid temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gelled
to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly
the gravy had already started to congeal by the time the waiter served our dinners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of congealed
Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
In particular, the bacon bits were chilled and all stuck together in one big, congealed lump along the inside of the bowl.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
The queso started fine but eventually congealed into something that approximated lukewarm paste.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Behind an offensive line that has congealed into an elite unit in recent weeks, McCaffrey has hit his season-long runs in back-to-back weeks.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 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
Adjective
My heart eyes for the beets and the overall experience at Rose's almost blinded me from noticing the dressing was hardly a caramel, but rather a congealed marinade with a grainy mouthfeel.
—Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
In particular, the bacon bits were chilled and all stuck together in one big, congealed lump along the inside of the bowl.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
Then they were scooped from the pot and set on a plate to rest, glistening and congealed, revealing the color of the filling within.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 2026
The queso started fine but eventually congealed into something that approximated lukewarm paste.
—Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Behind an offensive line that has congealed into an elite unit in recent weeks, McCaffrey has hit his season-long runs in back-to-back weeks.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 29 Dec. 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congealed
Adjective
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Study co-author and project scientist John Dykema suggests that the large coagulated smoke particles could affect atmospheric circulation through local heating, potentially shifting jet streams.—
Stefanie Waldek,
Space.com,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
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While Medicare froze reimbursements, supplemental insurers did not.—
Brian New,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
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The outage froze escalators and security screening conveyor belts and stalled the underground trains linking DIA’s main terminal to concourses.—
Bruce Finley,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her hair was gelled down by Anthony Martinez, adding to the wet vibe of her look.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
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From a distance, A’zion’s hairline disappeared under her bangs, which were gelled into tiny ripples on her forehead.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The experience also includes a selection of finger sandwiches, including options like coronation Hmong chicken or traditional bánh mì, as well as pastries and cakes, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a cheese and charcuterie platter.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Feb. 2026
-
At Zain’s house, Yazid perched at the edge of his seat and stood up every time Zain’s mother came into the room, bringing first pomegranate sherbet, then food, several dishes served on a low table set in front of the sofa, and even a dessert, carrot halvah with clotted cream.—
Daniyal Mueenuddin,
New Yorker,
23 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But Saturday's launches appeared to dim such hopes, signaling defiance by Pyongyang, which in recent months has hardened its stance toward Seoul and urged Washington to drop denuclearization demands as a precondition for talks.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Turkey’s defense ministry said in January that Turkey had hardened its border with Iran by adding 380 kilometers of concrete walls, 203 optical towers and 43 observation posts.—
Sam McNeil,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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But her thickened skin, along with her toughened reputation, felt supple now.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until thickened and bubbly.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After the deputies put him back into the chair, Mitchell’s body stiffened, with his legs straight in front of him and his head lolling back.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
8 Mar. 2026
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Democrats in Congress stiffened their opposition to an appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a partial government shutdown.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
One is cynical and snarky, with a sour-to-the-point-of-curdled view of humanity, and the other has a heart full of sentiment, drunk to the point of passing out on the milk of human kindness.—
Daniel Fienberg,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congealed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congealed. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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