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 The cells thicken a patient’s blood, putting them at higher risk for life-threatening heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. — Jason Mast, STAT, 31 Aug. 2026 Cook until sausage is warmed through and juices thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. — Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 Add the coconut milk in four or five batches, stirring and letting things bubble vigorously for 3 to 8 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly before adding the next batch. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Temper the egg and cheese mixture with hot pasta water, then toss it with the spaghetti off the heat so the eggs thicken into a silky sauce instead of scrambling. — Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thicken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thicken

Verb

But after a quick touchdown drive to take a 34-27 lead, the Oregon defense stiffened, and closed out the win with back-to-back stops.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Bile rose in Evie’s throat and her body stiffened under his touch.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of stiffen

Verb

Brandon Fuentes of the University of Arizona’s department of psychiatry told Psychology Today that co-sleeping is associated with measurable health upsides, which means the trend is unlikely to harden into a blanket recommendation.

— Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Poland hardens its border Poland has also boosted its military preparedness.

— Anna Noryskiewicz, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

But Buddy, the feature debut of Casper Kelly, lets the genre’s relentlessly upbeat tone slowly curdle in the opening sequence, in which one of the kids refuses to play along with day’s lesson about being brave and trying new things.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
Yet there is little time for the thought to curdle, because this game is a Monday night maelstrom.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of curdle

Verb

The army has published footage of rescues via helicopter, and of people being pulled out of the hydropower tunnels, completely caked in mud.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Fore says borax can cake up and leave residue behind if it isn’t fully dissolved and rinsed out.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of cake

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thick

thicken

thickened

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“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thicken. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of thicken

verb

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