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

Kato and his team solved this by combining careful fabrication with real-time monitoring. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025

The public — nationwide — is invited to add a case to the website’s database for free and to solve a case to help families and law enforcement bring justice to victims. —Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025

There’s no magic antidote that’s going to solve this issue. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025

Maybe the crisis of heterofatalism would be solved if lesbians and heterosexual women came together more often to compare notes on dating. —Zing Tsjeng, Vogue, 26 Dec. 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