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

The soluble fiber in chia seeds attracts water and binds to cholesterol and dietary fats. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Key sources of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, include seeds, beans, lentils, whole grains and vegetables. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026

The seeds are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber, helping to feed gut bacteria while also promoting regular bowel movements, research has shown. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

Apricots are considered an excellent source of dietary vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that converts to beta carotene in foods and that also supports your immune system and vision. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 27 Apr. 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