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

For Hialeah, Domino represents a new kind of police presence, one that is not measured by arrests made or cases solved, but by the comfort provided during some of the hardest moments people face. — Verónica Egui Brito july 15, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Prototype targets large-scale autonomous drone operations The CADDS project aims to solve a major challenge for the military by moving away from a single operator controlling a single drone. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

There are no real fundamental barriers to building data centers in space—just some very serious technical problems to solve. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

Millions of Americans are still searching online what foods to avoid, and watching social media prevention rituals, trying to solve a problem that was never theirs alone to solve. — Katrine Wallace, STAT, 15 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