soapy

adjective

ˈsō-pē 

soapier; soapiest

1

: smeared with soap : lathered

2

: containing or combined with soap or saponin

3

a

: having the qualities of soap

especially : smooth and slippery

b

: unctuous, suave

4

: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of a soap opera

soapily

ˈsō-pə-lē 

adverb

soapiness

ˈsō-pē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of soapy

• oily
• sickening
• gushy
• unctuous
• oleaginous
• hagiographic

Examples of soapy in a Sentence

The stone has a soapy feel.

a typically soapy introduction for the guest speaker at the organization's annual banquet

Recent Examples on the Web

Any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the eggs should be washed and sanitized using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher. — Amber Brenza, HEALTH, 15 Sep. 2026

Yamamoto’s story — and the TV adaptations overseen by Osamu Dezaki, a Swiss Army–knife anime director known for bringing action, sports, and soapy high-school melodrama to life onscreen — spends a huge chunk of time on Hiromi’s insecurities. — Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026

Inspect and clean the gasket regularly with warm, soapy water to remove grime, crumbs, and hidden debris. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 Sep. 2026

For spot control, soapy water sprays work better than a dusting of cornstarch and don’t leave a gummy film. — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1610, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for soapy

• dopey
• hopi

Kids Definition

soapy

adjective

ˈsō-pē 

soapier; soapiest

1

: smeared with or full of soap

a soapy face

2

: containing or combined with soap

3

: resembling or having the qualities of soap

soapiness

-pē-nəs 

noun