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

May Improve Cholesterol Levels Basil seeds contain fiber, including soluble fiber. — Lindsey Desoto, HEALTH, 23 Sep. 2026

The tool relies on a soluble liquid substitute that glows during the reaction, reducing measurement times to minutes and enabling rapid evaluation of large libraries of enzyme variants. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

Salicylic acid, by contrast, is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant that clears deep pore congestion, the better pick for blackheads, texture issues and true body acne. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026

Its uniquely oil soluble form of vitamin C weightlessly absorbs to instantly boost radiance while remaining gentle on skin. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 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