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
ˈsäl-vənt-ləs How to pronounce solvent (audio)
ˈsȯl-
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
The plan limited cuts to a Black Student Achievement program and drew down funds from a retiree health benefit trust fund to show the district could stay solvent. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026 At the time, other Canadian teams in Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa also appeared endangered, and those small-market clubs had to shed talent to stay solvent. — James Mirtle, New York Times, 23 June 2026
Noun
But the final mechanical performance was driven primarily by prill size and shape rather than the chemical composition of the solvent. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026 Sulfur and industrial solvents are following the same trajectory. — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 7 July 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

Rhymes for solvent

See All Rhymes for solvent

Browse Nearby Words

solvend
solvent
solvent dye
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvent. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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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
sol·​vent ˈsäl-vənt, ˈsȯl- How to pronounce solvent (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on solvent

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for solvent

Nglish: Translation of solvent for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about solvent

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