1
as in freezes
to become physically firm or solid
the surface of the pond congealed after several days of frigid temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gels
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
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Recent Examples of congeals
When the cast finally congeals at Kyle’s summer solstice party, Rachel is right up in there in the mix.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congeals
Verb
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Her value, as those who have followed her career in Europe will attest, is found not in elite athleticism, but in the hesitation dribble that freezes a defender, the mid-range pull-up in traffic, the pocket pass that springs a cutter before the defense can react.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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But less than three minutes into the conversation, Earl leaps off Maslany’s lap, freezes in place and stares ahead.—
Senior Television,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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The process relies on urushi, a natural lacquer derived from tree sap that hardens over time into a durable, food-safe coating.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 May 2026
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Tissue culture is a cloning process where, for orchids, shoot tips and axillary or side buds are sterilized and placed on agar — a jelly-like material that hardens into a firm gel — that contains plant nutrients and hormones.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Golden State’s schedule stiffens with an upcoming trip to New York and Indiana.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
14 May 2026
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The rings arise because the metal softens as the can compresses, then stiffens, then compresses and stiffens again, repeating the pattern until the compression is complete—akin to something called homoclinic snaking.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Before freezing, blanching the potatoes gelatinizes surface starches, and freezing encourages those starches to reorganize into a firmer structure.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Congeals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congeals. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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