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 This fruit cobbler starts with a base of fresh strawberries and blueberries tossed with sugar and cornstarch to sweeten and thicken. — Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 These trees naturally have shallow feeder root systems, and as the tree ages and grows, these roots thicken and break through the surface. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 19 July 2026 The conditions — including the air quality and visibility — improved as Friday progressed, but the National Weather Service warned the smoke could thicken overnight and into Saturday, when rain is expected. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 July 2026 Gengras hangs back, letting his synths thicken the air rather than leaping boldly to the front. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thicken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thicken

Verb

Offering a 35% incentive aimed at stiffening up jobs here and enticing post-production to relocate to the Golden State, AB 2319 is racing toward a vote in the state Senate by next week once the bill is in final shape.

— Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of stiffen

Verb

Beresford says the real-life group had to be condensed for the stage, with composite characters like Reggie and Steph standing in for several real activists.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
What follows is an edited and condensed version of our Front Page Authority conversation.

— Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

Rezaei was named this month as part of senior appointments widely seen as hardening Tehran’s political and military stance.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Iranian officials dismiss the campaign as familiar punishment, while analysts warn decades of sanctions show pressure alone rarely forces Tehran to yield and may instead harden positions on all sides.

— Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

Sophie Richards waited five years for a diagnosis (the average is seven to 10 years), and has had four surgeries (plus freezing her eggs).

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Iceland’s freezing temperatures typically last about five months of the year, but the government has chosen a balmy summer day for its pivotal national referendum.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of freeze

Verb

Unrivaled has roughly 95 percent of its Season 3 rosters solidified, including new stars such as Olivia Miles, Gabby Williams and Marine Johannès, who are signed to multiyear deals.

— Annie Costabile, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Ray Saldi, 60, voted for Graham and said the endorsements from officials in support of her were not what solidified the decision.

— Saige Miller, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of solidify

Verb

Such individual scenes aside, though, the film largely depends on a familiar trajectory, which can curdle into tedium as things proceed.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours.

— Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of curdle

Verb

Cambridge City streets remained submerged in water Thursday or were otherwise caked in mud, said Oliver.

— Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Hancock recommends using a gritty baking soda paste to scrub plant pots and gardening tools that have soil or debris caked on.

— Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of cake

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“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thicken. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of thicken

verb

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