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 of solve

• 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

The Constitution attempted to solve ancient problems having to do not only with the people and their rulers, the structure of government, and the nature of rights, but also with the knowability and endurance of law. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

The ominous trailer for the Sam Altman movie, Artificial, launched Tuesday, the same day OpenAI became the first AI company to solve one of the Millennium Prize challenges. — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

The mechanical trick Draco uses to solve field rotation, the slow twisting of the sky's image that causes those star trails, is almost backward. — New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2026

The players aren’t a problem the next commissioner must solve. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

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