The phrase “antonym of thickens” leads us to explore words that are the opposite of “thickens.”
“thins” or “dilutes” are possible antonyms. When something thickens, it becomes denser or more concentrated. In contrast, when something thins or dilutes, it becomes less dense or less concentrated. For example, “Adding water thins the paint that had thickened over time.” This shows the clear opposition between the actions of thickening and thinning.
“weaken” can also serve as an antonym in some contexts. If a substance thickens, it often gains strength or viscosity. When something weakens, it loses strength or becomes less potent. For instance, “The heat weakened the thickened sauce, making it more fluid.” Here, weakening is the opposite of the process of thickening.
In literature and conversation, these antonyms can add precision and variety. A writer might describe a process where a substance first thickens and then thins due to certain circumstances. Or in a scientific discussion, we might talk about how to dilute or weaken a thickened solution.
In conclusion, antonyms for “thickens” like thins, dilutes, and weakens offer different ways to express the opposite of the process of making something denser or more concentrated. Whether in fictional narratives or technical descriptions, these words help us convey the changes in the properties of substances more accurately.