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
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
The figs would cook until their tough outer skin softened and some began to burst open to gently ooze their seedy pulp, thickening the mixture into a grainy, molasses-brown syrup, while other figs remained whole, their thick stems still attached.
—
Claude Barilleaux, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
Whisk together pudding and pie filling, milk, and coconut extract in a large bowl until smooth and starting to thicken, about 2 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
Formulated with organic amla and rice protein and proven to thicken hair by 11% (per the brand), the volumizing foam will create fuller, all-day voluminous curls.
—Natasha Marsh, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
When the semolina has thickened the soup to a loose porridge-like consistently, turn off the heat.
—Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thicken
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Claude Barilleaux, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2025
Whisk together pudding and pie filling, milk, and coconut extract in a large bowl until smooth and starting to thicken, about 2 minutes.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 7 Apr. 2025
Formulated with organic amla and rice protein and proven to thicken hair by 11% (per the brand), the volumizing foam will create fuller, all-day voluminous curls.
—Natasha Marsh, Allure, 7 Apr. 2025
When the semolina has thickened the soup to a loose porridge-like consistently, turn off the heat.
—Vicky Hallett, NPR, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thicken
Cite this Entry
“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thicken. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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