1
as in to freeze
to become physically firm or solid
the surface of the pond congealed after several days of frigid temperatures
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to gel
to turn from a liquid into a substance resembling jelly
the gravy had already started to congeal by the time the waiter served our dinners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of congeal
While the rest of Burning Man celebrated, Kruglov lay prostrate on the ground at a faraway campsite in a comparatively desolate section of Black Rock City, his throat slashed, as a puddle of blood congealed around his lifeless body.
—
Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
Might the thrill of their ambition congeal into something like obligation?
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
From above, viewers can observe globules of a strange black fluid congealing, popping, and morphing unexpectedly inside of it.
—Christy Lange, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
There was external pressure to shake up the Avs’ DNA after a third-straight early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland felt this group — transformed dramatically throughout last season with little time to congeal before the playoffs — deserved another chance.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for congeal
Denver Nicks, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2025
Might the thrill of their ambition congeal into something like obligation?
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
From above, viewers can observe globules of a strange black fluid congealing, popping, and morphing unexpectedly inside of it.
—Christy Lange, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
There was external pressure to shake up the Avs’ DNA after a third-straight early exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but Joe Sakic and Chris MacFarland felt this group — transformed dramatically throughout last season with little time to congeal before the playoffs — deserved another chance.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for congeal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for congeal
Verb
-
An ancient microorganism that figured out how to keep its cellular structures intact through 40,000 years of deep freeze could someday inspire a product that keeps a soldier’s skin from freezing on an Arctic patrol.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
13 Feb. 2026
-
How long temperatures fall below freezing matters.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Houston Chronicle,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Here, Segall abandons all instruments to concentrate on vocals, leaving his session players to gel into a real band.—
Stephen Thomas Erlewine,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
-
There was no major incident that caused a rift between Kelly Osbourne and her older sister Aimee, the two simply just don't gel.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
For years, this unspoken truth has hardened her, shaping her into a woman of precision and emotional distance — a mother who learned survival through silence.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Water your plants regularly during the hardening off process, but slowly decrease how much water your plants receive.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The luxury retailer, weighed down by debt, is under pressure as consumers shift their shopping habits and competition stiffens.—
Brian Womack,
Dallas Morning News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, a senior cabinet member said.—
Michal Kubala,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Do not use warm or hot water since this can actually cause the blood to coagulate.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2026
-
The honey was too thick and caused the sauce to kind of coagulate.—
Brittany Loggins,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
17 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Injuries have loomed large for Kings The Kings’ unbalanced roster hasn’t jelled, and the team has sparsely played well during a mostly miserable season on the court.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
But a supremely talented duo hasn’t jelled — at least, not yet.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Starches swell with heat and water, gelatinizing to give dough its airy lift.—
Sanjay Srivastava,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Congeal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/congeal. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
