thicken

verb

thick·​en ˈthi-kən How to pronounce thicken (audio)
thickened; thickening ˈthi-kə-niŋ How to pronounce thicken (audio)
ˈthik-

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
thickener noun

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.
Add cream to mushrooms and bring to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 20 June 2025 Infections Lung infections from bacteria and viruses cause mucus to thicken and turn brown. Mark Gurarie, Health, 15 June 2025 Place the pan over medium-high heat and reduce until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Georgeanne Brennan, Mercury News, 5 June 2025 The justified accusation that the carbon footprint of a child from a rich nation was gigantic compared to that of a child from a poorer nation (except those from elite families) thickening the political smog obscuring the raw ecological toll of adding eighty million a year to the human population. Literary Hub, 3 June 2025 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 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

thicken

verb
thick·​en ˈthik-ən How to pronounce thicken (audio)
thickened; thickening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce thicken (audio)
1
: to make or become thick, dense, or viscous
thicken gravy with flour
2
: to become complicated
the plot thickens
thickener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on thicken

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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