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

The Blue Jackets could not solve Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson until midway through the third period, watching several prime scoring chances get erased by Thompson’s glove and others clang off the posts from close range. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Miami-Dade sheriff’s deputies recently solved the case after linking Koehler’s DNA to the victim, who is not identified in court records. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025

The first batch of exoplanet data from Gaia is expected to be released in December 2026 – perhaps then the mystery might be solved? —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Ziels believes some of nature’s tiniest organisms could play a massive role in solving major environmental challenges, especially as cities worldwide face mounting pressure around waste and clean energy. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 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