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

While the first version of OpenAI’s GPT language model could barely write a few paragraphs of coherent text, its newest models can solve mathematics problems that have stumped humans for the better part of a century. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

Just in the nick of time, our AI challenges are solved and the future of humanity is safe from extinction. — Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026

Navigation was another problem the agent had to solve, with GPT-6 Astra generating a C++ helper that used AzerothCore’s navigation-mesh data, known as mmaps, to calculate routes. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026

With overtaking not normally allowed on a formation lap, third-place Kimi Antonelli waited behind Lewis Hamilton's slow-moving Ferrari as the Italian team scrambled to solve a software issue. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 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