insoluble

1 of 2

adjective

in·​sol·​u·​ble (ˌ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
Synonyms of insolublenext
: not soluble: such as
a
: incapable of being dissolved in a liquid and especially water
also : soluble only with difficulty or to a slight degree
b
: having or admitting of no solution or explanation
an insoluble problem
c
archaic : indissoluble
insolubility
(ˌ)in-ˌsäl-yə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
noun
insoluble noun
insolubleness
(ˌ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
noun
insolubly
(ˌ)in-ˈsäl-yə-blē How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
adverb

insolubility

2 of 2

noun

in·​solubility (¦)in How to pronounce insolubility (audio)
ən+
: the quality or state of being insoluble: such as
a
: indissolubility
b(1)
: inexplicability
(2)
: something inexplicable

Synonyms of insoluble

Relevance

Adjective

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of insoluble in a Sentence

Adjective a substance insoluble in water the seemingly insoluble mystery concerning the identity of the people who built these ancient structures
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Bananas have soluble and insoluble fiber, both important types, Valente shares. — Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 12 June 2026 Both soluble and insoluble fiber help with constipation. — Jessica Swirble, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026 Most whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, contain a combination of insoluble and soluble fibers, but some are more concentrated in one than the other. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 29 May 2026 Indeed, the only shooting victims shown (in several devastating flashes) are the heart of the film’s insoluble sorrows. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for insoluble

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English insolible, from Latin insolubilis, from in- + solvere to free, dissolve — more at solve

Noun

Late Latin insolubilitas, from Latin insolubilis insoluble + -itas -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insoluble was in the 14th century

Rhymes for insoluble

See All Rhymes for insoluble

Browse Nearby Words

insolubilize
insoluble
insolvability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insoluble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insoluble. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insoluble

adjective
in·​sol·​u·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
1
: impossible to solve
an insoluble problem
2
: impossible or difficult to dissolve
a substance insoluble in water

Medical Definition

insoluble

adjective
in·​sol·​u·​ble (ˈ)in-ˈsäl-yə-bəl How to pronounce insoluble (audio)
: incapable of being dissolved in a liquid
also : soluble only with difficulty or to a slight degree

More from Merriam-Webster on insoluble

Nglish: Translation of insoluble for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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