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 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 Gengras hangs back, letting his synths thicken the air rather than leaping boldly to the front. — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 15 July 2026 Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the pudding begins to bubble and thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. — ABC News, 9 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
  • 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
  • Softening rather than stiffening when moving through space requires embracing your body’s natural sway and tiny micro-movements, like an ankle wobbling or knee jiggling.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of stiffen
Verb
  • This Oreo takes us back to Sunday afternoons at Grandma’s house, with the classic flavors of one of the South’s most iconic recipes condensed into a single cookie.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2026
  • This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity and ease of reading.
    — Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of condense
Verb
  • Be sure to harden off the seedlings before transferring them to your garden.
    — Shelby Vittek, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 2026
  • This buildup, called plaque, narrows and hardens the arteries, causing health problems.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of harden
Verb
  • On the other hand, liquid batteries lose significant efficiency in freezing conditions.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
  • But almost all beef that is meant to be used for grinding beef, which comes from Australia or Brazil, is frozen, and a large portion of that goes to food service operations, mostly fast food companies.
    — Dan Mangan,Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of freeze
Verb
  • And yes, the elevated urgency Johnson and his coaching staff must be feeling to solidify the offensive line is understandable with Week 1 now less than three weeks away.
    — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • This setback, however, solidified crypto's political voice in Washington.
    — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of solidify
Verb
  • Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours.
    — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of curdle
Verb
  • Cambridge City streets remained submerged in water Thursday or were otherwise caked in mud, said Oliver.
    — Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Hancock recommends using a gritty baking soda paste to scrub plant pots and gardening tools that have soil or debris caked on.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of cake

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thicken
thickened
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Cite this Entry

“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thicken. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of thicken for Spanish Speakers

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