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

Roughly 100 milligrams of vitamin C, about the amount in a medium orange, a cup of strawberries or half a red bell pepper, can double non-heme iron absorption by converting it to a more soluble form. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2026

Use a granular slow-release at planting time, which should last for a month or more, then a water-soluble type in your watering can every week or so as the season progresses. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

Overnight Oats Overnight oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber and contain beta-glucan, which is associated with lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026

Unlike water-soluble vitamins, which aren’t readily stored in excess, fat-soluble vitamins (like vitamins A, D, K, and E) are stored in your body’s fat tissue and liver. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 June 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