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.
Increase heat to medium, bring to a simmer, and cook, tossing constantly, until pasta is al dente and liquid is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. — Andy Baraghani, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 At first, just some high cirrus clouds, but these will thicken as the day goes on Sunday, meaning decreasing sunshine. — Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 Whisk vigorously for 40 seconds, or until thickened and lighter in color. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 There are some great deals on leave-in conditioner, too, like this smoothing formula from L’Oréal Paris, plus hair-thickening formulas that can help add density and control shedding in thinning areas. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 6 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 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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