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

In a soluble protein, all of the pure hydrocarbon side chains end up packed into the center, while the acids, bases, and hydroxyl-containing side chains face the water. — ArsTechnica, 30 Sep. 2026

Thanks to their high levels of mostly soluble dietary fiber and resistant starch, chickpeas have a probiotic effect, acting as an energy source and encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026

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

The fiber in mangoes and papayas includes both soluble and insoluble fiber. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 23 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