What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
denser
Example
The cake batter became denser as I added more flour. [denser: comparative adjective]
Example
The city center is denser than the suburbs. [denser: comparative adjective]
Example
The textbook is denser than the novel. [denser: comparative adjective]
thicker
Example
The paint became thicker as it dried. [thicker: comparative adjective]
Example
The ice on the lake is thicker than the ice on the pond. [thicker: comparative adjective]
Example
The soup is too thick to drink. [thick: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thicker is more commonly used than denser in everyday language. Thicker is a more general term that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while denser is more precise and specific, and is mainly used in scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between denser and thicker?
Both denser and thicker can be used in formal and informal contexts, but denser may be perceived as more technical or scientific due to its precision and specificity.