solve

verb

ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
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

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 Bumble’s requirement that women (in heterosexual pairings) send the first message to men was meant to solve that problem. Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 Working with younger people and solving this problem together reminds me of the utility of intergenerational collaboration, deep listening and mutual respect. Lyn Slater, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 After their last meeting, Anthony Davis said the Nuggets do the same thing to the Lakers over and over and the team has been unable to solve it. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 And there are plans to solve the problems long term by sharply increasing revenue, said Matt Vespi, the city’s chief financial officer. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2024 It’s incorporated into a large proportion of the algorithms people use every day for a variety of tasks, from displaying sharper computer graphics to solving logistical problems in network theory. Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Aren’t these the very problems Obamacare was supposed to solve? John C. Goodman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Today's listen Everyone on the internet is grabbing their sleuthing caps to solve the mystery behind a 17-second snippet of a pop song. Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 29 Feb. 2024 The character makes his way to SVU in season 24 after winning a wrongful termination lawsuit from Bronx SVU and collaborating with Benson to solve unsolved rapes in the Bronx. Lynsey Eidell, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'solve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of solve was circa 1533

Dictionary Entries Near solve

Cite this Entry

“Solve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solve. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

solve

verb
ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
ˈsȯlv
solved; solving
: to find a solution for
solve a puzzle

More from Merriam-Webster on solve

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