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Definitions

thickening

[thik-uh-ning] / ˈθɪk ə nɪŋ /
NOUN
coagulation
Synonyms
STRONG
agglomeration concentration concretion condensation congelation consolidation curdling embolism inspissation
WEAK
caseation gelatination incrassation jellification
Antonyms
STRONG
dispersal separation
WEAK
dissolution melting opening thinning
NOUN
growth
Synonyms
STRONG
Cancer cancroid excrescence fibrousness fungus lump mole outgrowth parasite polyp swelling wen
WEAK
fibrous tissue
Antonyms
WEAK
abatement decrease diminishment failure lessening reduction stagnation underdevelopment
NOUN
growth
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advance advancement expansion gain hike improvement increase production prosperity rise success surge
STRONG
aggrandizement augmentation boost buildup crop cultivation enlargement evolution extension flowering germination maturation multiplication produce proliferation sprouting stretching swell unfolding vegetation waxing widening
WEAK
beefing up evolvement fleshing out heightening maturing up upping
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decline decrease failure halt loss stagnation stop worsening
STRONG
abridgment compression destruction reduction
WEAK
abatement diminishment lessening underdevelopment

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—the thickening of heart muscles—it was 56 steps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026

These polar "geoengineering" techniques aim to cool the planet in unconventional ways, such as artificially thickening sea-ice or releasing tiny, reflective particles into the atmosphere.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2025

“Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to finish thickening and gives you the best pie-eating experience.”

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2025

The food additive carrageenan -- also known as E 407 -- is used by the food industry as an emulsifier and thickening agent in numerous finished products.

From Science Daily • Nov. 27, 2024

I noticed the hem was coming undone in a corner of it, trailing a thread on the ground as she dragged a wooden paddle through the thickening akpl. in the cauldron.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo