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Definition of thicken

thicken

/ˈθɪk.ən/
thick · en
Adverb:thickly
•
Adjective:thick
•
Past Simple:thickened
•
Past Participle:thickened
•
Present Participle:thickening
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thicken Lexical Profile

thicken Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become denser, firmer, or more viscous (especially of a liquid, sauce, or mixture).

Example

"Simmer the gravy gently for ten minutes until it begins to thicken."

2

To make or become wider, deeper, or more closely packed in growth or visibility (such as fog, foliage, or walls).

Example

"As the evening wore on, the coastal fog began to thicken across the harbor."

3

To become more intricate, complex, or suspenseful (especially of a plot, mystery, or situation).

Example

"With the discovery of the hidden letter, the plot began to thicken."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for thicken

• Rhymes for thicken

• Nearby Words

thick
thick-knee
thick-lipped gourami
thicken
thickener
thickening
thicket

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as thikken, from the Old English adjective þicce ('thick') combined with the verbal suffix -en ('to make or become').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Thicken. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/thicken
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