dissolves; dissolved; dissolving
1
of something solid
: to mix with a liquid and become part of the liquid
Sugar/salt dissolves in water.
Dissolve the tablet in water.
2
formal
: to officially end (something, such as a marriage, organization, or agreement)
She dissolved [=terminated] their partnership.
—often used as (be) dissolvedThe marriage/business/government was dissolved.
The company has been dissolved.
3
somewhat formal
: to end or disappear or cause (something) to end or disappear
His smile dissolved [=disappeared] when I told him the news.
Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence.
His kind words dissolved her sadness.
The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.
Note: If you dissolve in/into tears/laughter, etc., you start to cry, laugh, etc., in an uncontrolled way.
Cite this Entry
“Dissolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/dissolve. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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