1
: able to pay all legal debts
a solvent company
2
: that dissolves or can dissolve
solvent action of water
solvently
adverb
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
Examples of solvent in a Sentence
Adjective
He couldn't stay solvent after losing his business.
Recent Examples on the Web
Axel Rebien, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
There’s no mystery to what Congress can and should do to keep the programs fully solvent
without making life harder for older workers and retirees.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Scott Rasmussen, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
Concerns about processing: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the use of artificial emulsifiers, solvents, and preservatives during processing.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solvent
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Adjective
That discipline keeps companies solvent, but can also keep us from seizing the tools that will define the next decade of value creation.
—Axel Rebien, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
There’s no mystery to what Congress can and should do to keep the programs fully solvent
without making life harder for older workers and retirees.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2025
Noun
Every adjustment would make the trust fund more solvent and also create a retirement that better meets the needs of each individual.
—Scott Rasmussen, Boston Herald, 6 July 2025
Concerns about processing: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows the use of artificial emulsifiers, solvents, and preservatives during processing.
—Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for solvent
Cite this Entry
“Solvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvent. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
solvent
1 of 2 adjective
sol·vent
ˈsäl-vənt 
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-
: 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
: able to pay all legal debts as they become due
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