thickened; thickening
ˈthi-kə-niŋ
ˈthik-
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
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
thick·en·er
-k(ə)nə(r)
plural -s
: one that thickens: such as
a
: an apparatus for the sedimentation and collection of suspended solids in industrial liquids
b
: a mechanical device for removing part of the water from slush pulp
Cite this Entry
“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thicken. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
