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

• answer
• break
• crack
• dope (out)
• figure out
• puzzle (out)
• resolve
• riddle (out)
• unravel
• unriddle
• work
• work out

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

Problem solved with this award-winning masterpiece. —Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2023

But Nolan warns that focusing on those potential outcomes distracts from solving problems companies and policymakers could address now. —Cat Zakrzewski, Washington Post, 30 Dec. 2023

Meanwhile, she’s also tasked with solving a murder and the disappearance of a young woman with her eyes on the future, hopping in her new Land Rover and heading to the Himalayas. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 29 Dec. 2023

New Hampshire woman's 1981 murder solved with DNA evidence Law enforcement officials in New Hampshire solved a cold case dating back more than four decades, utilizing DNA analysis and forensic genealogy technology. —Callie Cassick, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2023

Recognizing a crisis in art is the beginning of solving it. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 25 Dec. 2023

The main promise of quantum computing is the ability to solve problems far faster than classical computers, but exactly how much faster varies. —IEEE Spectrum, 22 Dec. 2023

The homelessness crisis won’t be solved by sticking our head in the sand, denying the scale of the problem, and restating old talking points. —Kevin Corinth, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023

But the frenzy may feed into the very same culture of consumption some people use it to solve for. —Samhita Mukhopadhyay, Bon Appétit, 21 Dec. 2023

See More

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

Kids Definition

solve

verb

ˈsälv 

ˈsȯlv

solved; solving

: to find a solution for

solve a puzzle