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

Yes, this was a brutally bad season for the Commanders, and there are many questions and problems the organization will have to figure out and solve in the coming weeks. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

Deodorizers, fabric softeners, or heavily scented detergents may only mask the smell but not solve the problem. —Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026

Long commute times are certainly frustrating, but continual undermining of mass transit projects isn’t going to solve the problem. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026

President Masoud Pezeshkian has attempted to at least partly shoulder the blame for the country’s woes and even suggested on Monday that the interior minister should meet with leaders among the protesters to address their concerns and try to solve their problems. —Babak Dehghanpisheh, NBC news, 4 Jan. 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