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

The silicon also forms a soluble ion, (NH4)2SiF6), while the aluminum forms a similar ion that remains behind as a solid, (NH4)3AlF6). —ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026

Secondly, beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that naturally occurs in things like oats and barley, increase the number of good bacteria, kill the bad, and lower cholesterol levels at the same time. —Mélanie Nauche, Vogue, 28 May 2026

Strawberries contain both insoluble and soluble fiber, the second of which decreases the rate of digestion and absorption of nutrients. —Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026

The soluble fiber in oats, particularly the polysaccharide beta-glucan, forms a viscous gel in the digestive tract. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 22 May 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