thicken

verb

Definition of thickennext
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 Outside the Coca-Cola Fan Zone, the crowd started to thicken, and the Waldo army was joined by the blue and yellow of the Bosnian flag. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 7 July 2026 Clouds will thicken up this afternoon, and the threat of showers and thundershowers will increase later today. — Aaron Mentkowski, New York Times, 5 July 2026 This two-in-one shampoo and conditioner set is rich in rice protein, vitamin B, and vitamin C to strengthen and thicken the hair shaft, while nourishing the scalp. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 4 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for thicken
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thicken
  1. stiffen
  2. condense
  3. harden
  4. freeze
  5. solidify
  6. curdle
  7. cake
Verb
  • Even simple movements can encourage healthy blood flow and keep fascia from stiffening up.
    — Jennifer Heimlich, Time, 27 July 2026
  • This remains soft during low-energy movement but stiffens upon high-impact force.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 July 2026
Definition of stiffen
Verb
  • There are many ways to get powerful Pals in Palworld, whether that’s condensing them for extra stars or a whole, whole lot of RNG breeding.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length; it was conducted via translator.
    — Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 27 July 2026
Definition of condense
Verb
  • As many Americans have soured on the country in the wake of its brutal campaign in Gaza, Maher’s views have only hardened.
    — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 23 July 2026
  • This is when end-to-end transactions start to take real shape, as collaboration standards harden, legal frameworks get worked out and enterprises rebuild their systems for agents instead of humans.
    — Nirmal Mukhi, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of harden
Verb
  • Jean overpowers their restraints and creates a gigantic psychic bubble that freezes in place nearly everyone in New York City.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The following day, the state added him to its official register of terrorists and extremists, a designation that obliges Russian banks to freeze his assets.
    — Susie Violet Ward, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • This victory solidifies her status as a top three-year-old filly, with trainer Mark Casse expressing immense confidence, even having nominated her for the Triple Crown.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Today, the Blair Mountain battlefield has transformed into a platform for progress, where the enduring fight for workers’ health, rights, and dignity is no longer buried in the mountains but solidifying into the American conscience.
    — Elijah TanAll, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 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
Verb
  • Turn cake out onto rack and carefully peel away parchment; discard.
    — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Invert cake onto a wire rack and let cool completely, about 1 hour.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Definition of cake

Browse Nearby Words

thick
thicken
thickened
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Cite this Entry

“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thicken. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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