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
Timothy F. Geithner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016
The good news is that, thanks to a stronger-than-expected economy, Medicare and Social Security will remain solvent a little bit longer than expected.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2024
Ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are two common solvents used to extract caffeine from green coffee beans.
—Michael W. Crowder, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for solvent 
Adjective
In general, the Fed is allowed to lend only to solvent institutions, not insolvent ones.
—Timothy F. Geithner, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2016
The good news is that, thanks to a stronger-than-expected economy, Medicare and Social Security will remain solvent a little bit longer than expected.
—Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 10 May 2024
Noun
How to Remove Mustard Stains on Carpet and Upholstery That Can't Be Cleaned with Water
To remove a mustard stain from carpet or upholstery that cannot be cleaned with water, use a solvent (for S-code fabrics) or call in a professional cleaner (for X-code fabrics).
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2024
Ethyl acetate and methylene chloride are two common solvents used to extract caffeine from green coffee beans.
—Michael W. Crowder, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for solvent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solvent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near solvent
Cite this Entry
“Solvent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvent. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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