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

The show, then and now, combines a sentimental, satirical, soapy, sometimes surreal comedy with a straightforward medical show. —Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026

Instead, clean wood utensils or boards right away after using them in soapy lukewarm water. —Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026

Wash the air fryer basket with warm, soapy water after making saucy or greasy foods, or wipe it down after heating dry foods like toast. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Advertisement Hot, soapy water is generally sufficient for cleaning up everyday messes on kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and kitchen sinks, says Taylor Dunivin, a toxicologist with the Environmental Working Group, an environmental health nonprofit. —Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 17 Feb. 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