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

But Trotter said the mystery of where the Carruthers ended up has been solved. —Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Manfred already has those problems solved with expansion and geographical realignment on his baseball bucket list. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2025

An issue that Slot solved last season has been a theme during pre-season and into competitive action, with all four goals against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield and Bournemouth coming from Liverpool losing the ball and then being cut open. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025

The investment in anticipating problems eliminates the need to solve them reactively. —Tarun Galagali, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 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