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

Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and the B vitamins can diminish somewhat during the canning process, but minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients largely remain intact. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Chia seeds may help relieve constipation because their soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel that softens and bulks stool. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

Using a water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 15-30-15 will give the plants a boost of the phosphorus needed to help your flowers start producing buds and blossoms again. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026

As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin D can build up in your body over time. — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 5 Aug. 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