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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Its origins trace back to ancient China, where cooks discovered that coagulated soy milk could be pressed into soft, protein-rich curds and cubes.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
21 Mar. 2026
-
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
-
The effort was surprising, given successive US administrations froze it out over its alleged support for militant groups, accusations Pakistan repeatedly denied.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Women who froze at 35 or younger saw live birth rates around 52%, compared to roughly 19% for those who froze at 40 or older.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
His unfailing commitment to civilian authority gave time for government institutions to sink roots, and established norms that gelled into the professional ethos of our military today.—
Kori Schake,
The Atlantic,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Her hair was gelled down by Anthony Martinez, adding to the wet vibe of her look.—
Kara Jillian Brown,
InStyle,
16 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
In the darkened foyer, Ember contemplated this unassuming bit of paper, momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of dread and excitement stirred together, an overpowering sensation that oozed from the crown of her head, down the length of her body, then hardened, like a soft golden resin becoming solid.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 Apr. 2026
-
The songs on the album also represent durability and strength, hardened by the turmoil one may experience in their 20s.—
Jake Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Cook and stir over medium until thickened and bubbly.—
Maddy Bendgen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But her thickened skin, along with her toughened reputation, felt supple now.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
June stiffened, a pillar of ice.—
Meredith Maran,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Officials this year have increased restrictions on flying drones and stiffened the penalties for their unauthorized use—including jail time.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Bad lemon curd is pasty, grainy, curdled or tooth-achingly sweet.—
Jolene Thym,
Mercury News,
20 Mar. 2026
-
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 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
