dissolved; dissolving; dissolves
1
b
: to separate into component parts : disintegrate
dissolved the company into smaller units
c
: to bring to an end : terminate
the king's power to dissolve parliament
their partnership was dissolved
d
law
: annul
dissolve an injunction
the marriage was dissolved
2
a
chemistry
: to cause to pass into solution (see solution sense 2b)
dissolve sugar in water
dissolve a chlorine tablet
c
: to cause to be emotionally moved (see move entry 1 sense transitive 5a)
She was dissolved in tears.
d
: to cause to fade in or out in a dissolve (see dissolve entry 2)
4
: to clear up : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for
dissolve a problem
1
a
: to become dissipated (see dissipate sense 1) or decomposed
the mist … dissolved as it touched the valleys—
Han Suyin
c
: to fade away
His strength had dissolved.
2
a
: to become fluid : melt
glaciers dissolving into the sea
b
chemistry
: to pass into solution
Salt dissolves in water.
c
: to be overcome emotionally
He dissolved into tears.
d
: to resolve itself as if by dissolution
hate dissolved into fear
e
: to change by a dissolve
The scene dissolves to a Victorian parlor.
dissolver
noun
: a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen
Synonyms
Examples of dissolve in a Sentence
Verb
Dissolve the tablet in water.
Hopes for peace dissolved in renewed violence.
His kind words dissolved her sadness.
The treatment is used to dissolve kidney stones.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 28 Nov. 2024
Catch up quick: Project 2025 includes proposals for the president to replace thousands of career civil servants with loyalists and dissolve government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — all in the name of streamlining government under the president's control.
—Avery Lotz, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024
Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024
Simmer cider mixture: Increase heat to medium, and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves and flavors meld, another 30 minutes.
—Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 14 Oct. 2024
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Verb
Trump has quickly put together a Cabinet for his incoming administration, has seen his legal problems dissolve and has benefited from a bump in polling since winning a second term earlier this month.
—Noun
Tatcha's The Camellia Cleansing Oil dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil for a deep clean that leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.
—Articles Related to dissolve
Dictionary Entries Near dissolve
Cite this Entry
“Dissolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissolve. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
dissolved; dissolving
1
: to cause to pass into solution
dissolve sugar in water
2
: to cause to melt or liquefy
dissolver
noun
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