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
Cover and cook until cheese melts and sauce thickens enough to coat meatballs, about 1 hour on HIGH or 2 hours LOW.
—
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
The formula features the brand’s patented thickening molecule and water-soluble resins to create full-bodied, touchable volume that doesn’t feel sticky or stiff.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025
The coconut base gets mixed with other ingredients — typically sugar, salt, natural flavoring, thickening agents and water — to create a more beverage-like product.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Inflatable flamingos and waving flags whizzed by and clouds of marijuana smoke thickened.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thicken
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.
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
The formula features the brand’s patented thickening molecule and water-soluble resins to create full-bodied, touchable volume that doesn’t feel sticky or stiff.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 May 2025
The coconut base gets mixed with other ingredients — typically sugar, salt, natural flavoring, thickening agents and water — to create a more beverage-like product.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025
Inflatable flamingos and waving flags whizzed by and clouds of marijuana smoke thickened.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 11 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 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share