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
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
Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
In October, Boeing dissolved its diversity department.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024
Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissolve 
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Verb
Hollywood writing partnerships dissolve for many reasons.
—Gary Baum, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024
In October, Boeing dissolved its diversity department.
—William Gavin, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
Make Sugar Mixture In a medium saucepan heat and stir brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup over medium-low heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Oct. 2024
Combine the sugar and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissolve
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 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical 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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