soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a liquid and especially water

2

: subject to being solved or explained

soluble questions

Did you know?

Soluble looks like a word that should be confined to chemistry labs, though it's often used by nonchemists as well to describe substances that can be dissolved in liquids. On the other hand, the sense of soluble meaning "solvable" is also quite common. In this sense, soluble, like its opposite, insoluble, is usually paired with problem. If only all life's problems were soluble by stirring them in a container filled with water.

Synonyms of soluble

• resolvable
• answerable
• feasible
• solvable

Examples of soluble in a Sentence

Sugar is soluble in water.

one murder case that proved to be soluble after all

Recent Examples on the Web

Citrus Fruits Oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits are full of flavonoids, vitamin C, and soluble fiber, a trio of nutrients that work together to support a healthy heart. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 6 July 2026

This includes soluble fiber, which increases healthy gut bacteria and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and insoluble fiber, which improves bowel health, says Howman. — Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026

However, the soluble lithium polysulfides formed during operation can migrate from the sulfur cathode to the lithium anode. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026

Treat with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like fish emulsion or a water-soluble fertilizer. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, digestible, laxative, from Late Latin solubilis, from Latin solvere to loosen, dissolve — more at solve

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for soluble

• indissoluble
• insoluble
• revoluble
• voluble

Kids Definition

soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: capable of being dissolved in a liquid

sugar is soluble in water

2

: capable of being solved or explained : solvable

a soluble problem

Medical Definition

soluble

adjective

sol·​u·​ble ˈsäl-yə-bəl 

1

: susceptible of being dissolved in or as if in a fluid

2

: capable of being emulsified

a soluble oil