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

Synthetics are manufactured using industrial processes and come as either soluble salts or solid/granular products. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Feb. 2026

According to the National Lipid Association, consuming 5 to 10 grams of soluble fiber each day can help lower LDL cholesterol by 5 to 11 points. —Danielle Zickl, Health, 4 Feb. 2026

Improves Digestion Blackberries contain soluble and insoluble fiber, which is vital to digestion. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2026

Too much raises pH and adds soluble salts to compost, rendering the mix too alkaline for most plants. —Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 1 Feb. 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