solve

verb

ˈsälv 

ˈsȯlv

solved; solving

transitive verb

1

: to find a solution, explanation, or answer for

solve a problem

solved the crime

2

: to pay in full

solve a debt

intransitive verb

: to solve something

substitute and solve for x

solver noun

Synonyms

• resolve
• answer
• unravel

Examples of solve in a Sentence

They are working to solve the traffic problem.

If they'll lend us the money we need, all our problems will be solved.

He couldn't solve the math problem.

The mystery has been solved.

The FBI has been trying to solve the case for years.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tune in for short episodes every Wednesday and Saturday as Grumpy answers reader questions, solves seasonal conundrums, and provides need-to-know advice for gardeners with his very Grumpy sense of humor. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025

Just 32% of American adults believe the UN is doing a good job attempting to solve global issues, while 63% rate its performance as poor, according to Gallup. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Sacheu Lip Stain has been all over my TikTok feed, claiming to solve this problem, with beauty influencers and celebrities, including Sofia Richie Grainge, Alix Earle, and Billie Eilish, raving about its all-day staying power. —Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have unveiled a breakthrough to solve this issue. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, to loosen, from Latin solvere to loosen, solve, dissolve, from sed-, se- apart + luere to release — more at secede, lose

First Known Use

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for solve

• absolve
• devolve
• dissolve
• evolve
• involve
• resolve
• revolve

Kids Definition

solve

verb

ˈsälv 

ˈsȯlv

solved; solving

: to find a solution for

solve a puzzle