When milk curdles, it becomes thick and lumpy, and often separates into solids and liquids. There are several synonyms for the word curdles, including coagulates, curdles, clots, thickens, solidifies, and congeals. All of these words describe the process of milk or other liquids transforming from a liquid state to a thicker, more solid state. While curdling can occur naturally in certain foods, such as the process of creating cheese, it can also be an indication of spoilage in certain liquids like milk. Regardless of the context, understanding the synonyms for the word curdles can help facilitate communication about the transformation of liquids.