solvent

1 of 2

adjective

sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
ˈsȯl-
Synonyms of solventnext
1
: able to pay all legal debts
a solvent company
2
: that dissolves or can dissolve
solvent action of water
solvently adverb

solvent

2 of 2

noun

1
: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances
2
: something that provides a solution
3
: something that eliminates or attenuates something especially unwanted
solventless adjective

Examples of solvent in a Sentence

Adjective He couldn't stay solvent after losing his business.
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
Vivolo’s specialty is in creating fabric labels, back patches, rivets, hangtags, patches and more with minimal environmental impact, utilizing materials that are organic, recycled, recyclable, compostable, vegan, animal free and solvent free. Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026 Press bubble wrap onto solvent ink pads. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
Noun
Jeane wants to see a fleshed out fiscal solvency plan and a multiyear cash flow projection (a key metric in terms of remaining solvent), which was missing from the second interim budget earlier this month. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2026 Her office said that lab testing confirmed some products contained lead, arsenic, mercury, ethanol, solvents, pesticides and other unknown products. Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solvent

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin solvent-, solvens, present participle of solvere to dissolve, pay

First Known Use

Adjective

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solvent was in 1630

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvent. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective
sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
ˈsȯl-
: able to pay all legal debts

solvent

2 of 2 noun
: a usually liquid substance capable of dissolving one or more other substances

Medical Definition

solvent

1 of 2 adjective
: that dissolves or can dissolve
solvent fluids
solvent action of water

solvent

2 of 2 noun
: a substance capable of or used in dissolving or dispersing one or more other substances
especially : a liquid component of a solution present in greater amount than the solute

Legal Definition

solvent

adjective
sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt How to pronounce solvent (audio)
: able to pay all legal debts as they become due

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