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

The patent suggests solving this by tracking relative speed, comparing a vehicle’s pace to that of nearby traffic to detect dangers that absolute speed monitoring would completely overlook. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 15 Nov. 2025

American Bitcoin generates its own cryptocurrency through mining, or solving complex mathematical puzzles in return for portions of the token. —Ben Weiss, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025

To solve the problem, the state Department of Motor Vehicles decided simply to flip the alphanumeric sequence for license plates around, The Bee reported. —Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2025

Various issues surrounding Taiwan will be solved based on dialogues in a peaceful way. —Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 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