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

But complex criminal cases can take months and even years to solve. —CNN Money, 1 Mar. 2026

Ariel Gibbs, a spokesperson for Montgomery Steppe, said the primary care clinics — known as the Safety Net Bridge Program — could solve the more immediate problem of people losing their Medicaid coverage. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2026

Like Fielder’s previous docu–reality show Nathan for You, 2013–17, The Rehearsal is a show driven by the baroque restaging of scenarios to solve complex chains of problems beset with profoundly psychosocial dimensions. —Patrick R. Crowley, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

To Horvath, these pushes toward screens in classrooms was an attempt to solve a problem that did not exist. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 1 Mar. 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