thaw
8 synonyms and 2 antonyms for thaw, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To melt or soften after being frozen, or to cause something frozen to melt.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To melt or soften after being frozen, or to cause something frozen to melt.
“Take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw overnight.”
Opposites
How to use thaw
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
thaw out
a thaw in relations
Etymology
From Old English þawian, "to thaw" — an old Germanic word for melting ice or snow.
Full origin of thaw →Frequently asked questions
What does “thaw” mean?
The word “thaw” means to melt or soften after being frozen, or to cause something frozen to melt. In plain terms, to go from frozen/cold to melted/warm — used for ice, food, feelings, or tense relationships.
How do you pronounce “thaw”?
“Thaw” is pronounced thaw (/θɔ/ in IPA).
How do you use “thaw” in a sentence?
Here is “thaw” used in a sentence: “Take the chicken out of the freezer to thaw overnight.”
What part of speech is “thaw”?
Depending on how it is used, “thaw” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “thaw” come from?
The word “thaw” comes from Old English. From Old English þawian, "to thaw" — an old Germanic word for melting ice or snow.
Is “thaw” a common word?
“Thaw” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “thaw” have?
“Thaw” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to melt or soften after being frozen, or to cause something frozen to melt.
