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 For decades, celebrity chefs have been urging us to reserve the starchy water that remains after cooking pasta to help gently thicken and bring the pasta sauce together. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for thicken

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thicken

Verb

Graham's aorta, at 71, tore, a dissection along a wall stiffened by decades of what the medical examiner called arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

— Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News, 13 July 2026
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

Definition of stiffen

Verb

Not only was this World Cup in Qatar played at the ‘wrong’ time of the year to avoid the summer heat, but it was also condensed into a shorter-than-usual timeframe, so maybe rest ahead of the final was particularly vital.

— Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
This interview has been edited and condensed for concision and clarity.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

If frozen for longer than 10 minutes, the roll-up will lose its crunchy texture and will harden.

— Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 July 2026
If cold from the fridge, your butter will seize and harden, shellacking the slices in a thick coating instead of a light sheen.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 July 2026

Definition of harden

Verb

The operator allegedly made more than $90,000 in profits on the trades, although most of that money was frozen by Kalshi after the bets were flagged as suspicious.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 17 July 2026
The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has been capturing some of the Red Planet's most surreal landscapes, and its latest images reveal a sprawling field that looks like molten metal frozen across the floor of an ancient Mars crater.

— Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 July 2026

Definition of freeze

Verb

Ḥusayn’s defeat and Yazīd’s subsequent consolidation of power helped solidify the Shiʿah as a distinct and often marginalized group and enabled Umayyad dynastic rule of the Islamic world until 750.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 July 2026
Hollywood's win was over a superficial aspect, while Meta quietly advanced its core business objective, making ad creation nearly fully automated and solidifying its market dominance.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026

Definition of solidify

Verb

Patriotism rooted in one or the other can curdle into cynicism or nihilism when confronted with evidence that confounds them.

— Mark Brilliant, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
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

Definition of curdle

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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 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of thicken

verb

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