dissolve

verb
dis·​solve | \ di-ˈzälv How to pronounce dissolve (audio) , -ˈzȯlv How to pronounce dissolve (audio) also -ˈzäv or -ˈzȯv\
dissolved; dissolving; dissolves

Definition of dissolve

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to cause to disperse or disappear : destroy do not dissolve and deface the laws of charity— Francis Bacon
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
2a chemistry : to cause to pass into solution (see solution sense 2b) dissolve sugar in water dissolve a chlorine tablet
b : melt, liquefy The heat will dissolve the chocolate.
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)
3 archaic : detach, loosen
4 : to clear up : to find a solution, explanation, or answer for dissolve a problem

intransitive verb

1a : to become dissipated (see dissipate sense 1) or decomposed the mist … dissolved as it touched the valleys— Han Suyin
b : break up, disperse The temporary committee will be made to dissolve.
c : to fade away His strength had dissolved.
2a : 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.

dissolve

noun

Definition of dissolve (Entry 2 of 2)

: a gradual superimposing of one motion-picture or television shot upon another on a screen

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Other Words from dissolve

Verb

dissolvable \ di-​ˈzäl-​və-​bəl How to pronounce dissolvable (audio) , -​ˈzȯl-​ \ adjective
dissolvent \ di-​ˈzäl-​vənt How to pronounce dissolvent (audio) , -​ˈzȯl-​ \ noun or adjective
dissolver noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for dissolve

Synonyms: Verb

dematerialize, disappear, evanesce, evaporate, fade, flee, fly, melt, sink, vanish

Antonyms: Verb

appear, materialize

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Passages of sound collage dissolve into visceral concert recordings, including a searing onstage performance with Stevie Wonder as the band’s guest. Jason Heller, The Atlantic, "Robert Frank, the Iconoclastic Image-Maker," 11 Sep. 2019 Several new instruments, one to record fish populations and movements and another to measure dissolved organic material, were supposed to be installed this month. Gretchen Vogel, Science | AAAS, "Suspect surfaces in the mysterious case of the underwater research station that vanished," 9 Sep. 2019 In turn, the ruptured tubercles attract dissolved copper, spurring a chemical reaction that can pit and weaken the surrounding steel. Peter Passi / Forum News Service, Twin Cities, "Popular Duluth museum ship’s corrosion extends to its rivets," 5 Sep. 2019 In 1629, when Parliament refused his request for taxes, Charles dissolved the legislature and governed as a personal monarch – not for five weeks, but for 11 years. Eliga Gould, The Conversation, "The American Founders made sure the president could never suspend Congress," 3 Sep. 2019 When their relationship dissolved, Meyer exited CAA for Universal, leaving Ovitz to man the fort alone. Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, "Why Nobody in Hollywood Has Any Friends," 30 Aug. 2019 When the sediment reacts with the CO2, some of material dissolves, so the river itself becomes a meandering carbon sink. Matt Simon, WIRED, "Melting Glaciers Are Helping Capture Carbon," 19 Aug. 2019 The oils don't dissolve in water, a problem for companies trying to create new drinks. Carla K. Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "How much pot in that brownie? Chocolate can throw off tests," 27 Aug. 2019 The oils don't dissolve in water, a problem for companies trying to create new drinks. Author: Carla K. Johnson, Anchorage Daily News, "How much pot in that brownie? Chocolate can throw off tests," 26 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Microwave until mixture is bubbling around edges and gelatin dissolves, 15 to 30 seconds. Washington Post, "This chocolate éclair cake is an instant dessert classic," 1 July 2019 This episode had some great visual moments, like the dissolve of Discovery warping into Stamets' mind gadget. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, "'Star Trek: Discovery' Season Two Wants You to Forget About Season One," 18 Jan. 2019 Daiquiri #1 Make rich simple syrup: In a pot over medium heat, stir together 1 cup sugar and ½ cup water until sugar dissolves. Do not boil. Kara Newman, WSJ, "Shake Up the Daiquiri for Fall," 27 Sep. 2018 Instead, opt for a chemical exfoliator, like my favorite Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid, which uses gentle acids to dissolves dead skin cells, oils, and gunk from your pores. Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "Broken Capillaries: How to Get Rid of Them Fast," 18 Apr. 2017 The first half of the novella is largely composed of prose of the Romantic type—heirloom turns of phrase that at length dissolve into something else. Dan Hofstadter, WSJ, "Longing, Violence and Social Rank," 25 May 2018 Watch his practice two days before the big game dissolve into a snowball fight, freshmen-sophomores vs. juniors-seniors. Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral, "Alliance of American football coach Rick Neuheisel's deep connections to Tempe, Arizona," 18 May 2018 At one point, the three dissolve into laughter when the complex intricacy gets the better of them. Karen Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston Ballet’s John Lam is set to soar in dances from Balanchine to Bournonville," 10 May 2018 Cook while stirring constantly until sugar dissolves and turns golden brown. Lauren Delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Where to pick peaches in Central Florida," 16 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dissolve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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