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

Their digestive benefits may be due to beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber. —Regina Windsor, Verywell Health, 8 Jan. 2026

Fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, polyphenols, lignans Oatmeal is naturally high in soluble fiber, especially beta-glucan, a type of fiber that forms a gel in the digestive tract and helps reduce cholesterol absorption. —Caitlin Beale, Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Dietitians say the fruit's sweet pulp and tiny seeds provide both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping improve regularity while also supplying antioxidants and key minerals that support overall health. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026

Most dress shirts are made from cotton or cotton blends that require washing to remove water-soluble stains like sweat. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 31 Dec. 2025

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