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

And both of those problems were about to become easier to solve with help from the Adams administration. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Converting existing vessels solves part of that problem by giving owners a potential new revenue stream through charter. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 July 2026

Both describe revenue cycle management (RCM), the process by which healthcare providers get paid, as fundamentally the same data integration problem Palantir was built to solve, just applied to medical billing. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 22 July 2026

Beyond solving the mystery, the finding has important implications for planetary defense. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 22 July 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