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 Tomato paste helps thicken the sauce while adding tangy sweetness. — Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 12 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • Bile rose in Evie’s throat and her body stiffened under his touch.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of stiffen
Verb
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for concision and clarity.
    — Hok-hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Two-phase systems allow the fluid to boil near hot components before condensing and returning to the bath.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of condense
Verb
  • This is to help chocolate layer not stick to sides when later hardened.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Gray’s challenge in such circumstances is to ensure that Blackstone’s pro-AI convictions don’t harden into a consensus his firm will regret if conditions change.
    — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 28 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
  • This opportunity should be used to create powerful structures—not to solidify existing inefficiencies or build additional bureaucracy and double structures, the joint appeal read.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The first five have been pretty much set since the draft, as Walker continues to solidify himself as someone who can make plays on offense and special teams.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of solidify
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
  • But the force of the flooding could mean mud may be caked over such exits, rendering rescue plans difficult, Horney said.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Vehicles were buried, and some stunned survivors were caked in mud.
    — Shristi Kafle, Fortune, 27 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 2026.

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