thickened; thickening
ˈthik-niŋ 
ˈthi-kə-
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
Avalon Organics Therapy Thickening Shampoo This hair thickening shampoo for men is made with biotin and other natural ingredients that have been certified non-GMO to help men increase their hair follicles.
—
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
While the popular active, retinol, can thicken the skin but consistent use for at least six months is required.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024
Sauce made from thickened pan drippings Gumbo: A soup from Louisiana sometimes thickened with okra.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2024
The curry is thickened with enough egg to transform it into a quivering custard that capitulates at the slightest touch of your spoon.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024
Doing so would involve a fleet of ships which would travel the world's oceans, spraying seawater up into the clouds to thicken them, therefore, also cooling the atmosphere underneath.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
Cornstarch This fine powdery starch is made from finely ground corn kernels and is used primarily as a thickening agent.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2024
Gradually stir slurry into soup, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 1 minute.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The sauce is often thickened with flour and seasoned with salt and pepper.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024
Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024
While the popular active, retinol, can thicken the skin but consistent use for at least six months is required.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 28 Mar. 2024
Sauce made from thickened pan drippings Gumbo: A soup from Louisiana sometimes thickened with okra.
—Zoe Gowen, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2024
The curry is thickened with enough egg to transform it into a quivering custard that capitulates at the slightest touch of your spoon.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024
Doing so would involve a fleet of ships which would travel the world's oceans, spraying seawater up into the clouds to thicken them, therefore, also cooling the atmosphere underneath.
—Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024
Cornstarch This fine powdery starch is made from finely ground corn kernels and is used primarily as a thickening agent.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 21 Mar. 2024
Gradually stir slurry into soup, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened, 1 minute.
—Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The sauce is often thickened with flour and seasoned with salt and pepper.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'thicken.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near thicken
Cite this Entry
“Thicken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thicken. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share