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

• answerable
• explainable
• explicable
• resolvable
• 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

Apples are also a great source of soluble fiber, which supports gut health and aids digestion, Burgess adds. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2025

Epsom salt is water soluble, meaning that the nutrients break down easily so magnesium and sulfur can be accessed from the soil quickly but it's not guaranteed. —Lauren David, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025

Lindsey and colleagues used high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to assess molecular makeup of soluble compounds like caffeine and chlorogenic acids. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 11 Dec. 2024

Incorporating more soluble fiber—found in fruits, beans, and oat products—can improve stool consistency and frequency. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 9 Jan. 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

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