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 Nieusma recommends covering the paper bags with 2 to 4 inches of organic material like bark mulch, wood chips, compost, dry leaves, or straw to hide the paper bags and thicken the mulch. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 Cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to thicken, about 2 minutes. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026 Regional rivalries like the Border Showdown and Cy-Hawk Series thicken the air, too. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 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 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
  • Texas stiffened and took the 21-point lead to the locker room.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The Smart Go's polyurethane airbag uses a patented diaphragm technology and a layered internal structure to stiffen up when it's deployed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of stiffen
Verb
  • This conversation has been condensed, edited, and translated.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Chatbots can also explain complex topics in new ways and condense an overwhelming amount of information into a simple summary.
    — Robin Brewer, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of condense
Verb
  • The building materials are fire-resistant, as are the windows, and the eaves are fire-hardened as well.
    — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The process, called cured-in-place pipe lining, involves inserting a flexible liner into the old pipe, inflating it and hardening it in place.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of harden
Verb
  • Ice•ology trays use a slow-freezing process designed to separate impurities and air bubbles from the ice, creating crystal-clear cubes that elevate cocktails, mocktails and everyday beverages.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Barnes is cold-based, and thus frozen directly onto the bedrock beneath it, which prevents it from sliding.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • Glance plans to use the money raised from L Catterton to train its model faster and continue to scale, solidifying its place in the fast-growing world of AI shopping agents.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In 2018, it was featured in an episode of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, which had the long-term effect of solidifying Whiskey Myers as an arena-and-amphitheater band.
    — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of solidify
Verb
  • These high-acidity juices can cause whey protein powder to coagulate and curdle.
    — Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of curdle
Verb
  • The Hummer was found caked with mud, which Parker’s mother and sister said earlier this year was unusual and not from the driveway of the home that Parker shared with her mother.
    — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Holden’s vignettes are caked in grime and emerge at a reckless pace.
    — Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of cake

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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 30 Oct. 2026.

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