Synonyms of thickennext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to become dense
the mist thickened
b
: to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency
2
: to grow blurred or obscure
3
: to grow broader or bulkier
4
: to grow complicated or keen
the plot thickens

transitive verb

1
a
: to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency
thicken gravy with flour
b
: to make close or compact
2
: to increase the depth or diameter of
3
: to make inarticulate : blur
alcohol thickened his speech

Examples of thicken in a Sentence

I thickened the gravy with flour. When the mixture thickens, add the remaining ingredients. The fog thickened when night fell.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As the cobbler cools, the filling will continue thickening and the top layer will settle. Terrence Hayes, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 When used in gumbo, okra releases its mucilage, which naturally thickens the stew, says Rice. Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 Blending cottage cheese provides all the rich creaminess of yogurt or frozen banana (important for thickening a smoothie), with seasoning built right in. Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Aug. 2026 Cook over low heat for another 5 to 8 minutes until lightly thickened and silky. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for thicken

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thicken was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thicken. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: to make or become thick, dense, or viscous
thicken gravy with flour
2
: to become complicated
the plot thickens

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