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
Flour: Flour helps thicken and bind the pineapple and sugar mixture at the bottom of the dish.
—
Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Moisturizers and serums infused with niacinamide can help thicken the skin barrier, decrease redness and soften fine lines and wrinkles, says Dr. Joshua Tournas, a dermatologist with Banner Health.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Gradually add the milk while stirring and cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
10.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The sauce will thicken and darken in color and the flavors will intensify.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thicken
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Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Moisturizers and serums infused with niacinamide can help thicken the skin barrier, decrease redness and soften fine lines and wrinkles, says Dr. Joshua Tournas, a dermatologist with Banner Health.
—Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025
Gradually add the milk while stirring and cook until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes.
10.
—Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The sauce will thicken and darken in color and the flavors will intensify.
—Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 3 Mar. 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 13 Apr. 2025.
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