THICKEN Synonyms: 31 Similar and Opposite Words

thicken

verb

Definition of thicken

as in to stiffen

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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 thicken Bring to a simmer, then reduce to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes to thicken and for the flavors to combine. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 And when blended, its polarizing lumpy texture totally disappears and helps thicken the smoothie. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 July 2026 Nut Butters Nut butters can thicken oatmeal, add to its taste, and give it a nutritional boost. — Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 21 June 2026 Take our hair care winner, the Xtressé Hair Therapy System, which aims to thicken and repair your strands with a combination of at-home daily rituals and professional, in-office care. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for thicken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thicken

Verb

Group 1 is pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and severe version that occurs when blood vessels in the lungs narrow and stiffen.

— Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 June 2026
Pulisic played a dynamic first half in the Americans' historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay to open their home World Cup nearly two weeks ago, but the AC Milan midfielder came off at halftime after an injury from training stiffened up.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 June 2026

Definition of stiffen

Verb

Here is another example in the opening 45 minutes, where Brazil’s midfield is shifted over to the near side to condense the space around Morocco.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 6 July 2026
This interview has been condensed for clarity and was translated from Spanish to English.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

The organizations that succeed build the platform first, establish a real control plane, harden the data and infrastructure layers, and then let teams scale agents on top of it.

— Harsha Kotikela, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
The interview, released in August, was supposed to follow the show’s usual strange logic, but instead the exchange hardened around Gaza, with Friedland growing visibly emotional as Torres remained largely unmoved.

— Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

But the freeze covers only about 28% of the total housing stock in the city, and critics allege that freezing rents will only make the housing shortage worse.

— Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2026
Xinhua said the factory’s owner and managers were arrested and the company’s accounts were frozen.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026

Definition of freeze

Verb

This extensive calendar further solidifies K-pop's global influence, with crossover projects involving Western artists and brands like Pokémon.

— Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
This accumulation of electrons reduces the charge on nearby lithium ions, directly forcing them to solidify into battery-killing metallic dendrites.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026

Definition of solidify

Verb

But if and when that dress turns out to be just one of the outfits for a documentary that goes to the highest bidder, the wedding good vibes will curdle just a little.

— Choire Sicha, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
If the temperature is too hot, the crème fraîche could curdle, and nobody has time for that.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

Definition of curdle

Browse Nearby Words

thick

thicken

thickened

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Style

“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thicken. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of thicken

verb

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