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

To solve this conundrum, consider a multi-purpose one-piece. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2025

The aim is to create something that mimics biological processes to shed light on the cascade of biochemical reactions that allowed life to first arise hundreds of millions of years ago and help solve problems in medicine, industry, the environment and basic research. —Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

Money has, in fact, solved all of his problems. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025

Scientists may have finally solved the mystery of how cats purr. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 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