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

As a kid, Tao imagined that what professional mathematicians did was solve problems assigned to them, sort of like homework. — Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026

And solving that problem starts with young people making their voices heard this Election Day. — Cameron Driggers, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026

Now, Microsoft says its new artificial intelligence system could help doctors solve some of medicine's toughest diagnostic puzzles. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

In 1994, mathematician Peter Shor developed a quantum algorithm that could theoretically solve this problem efficiently. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 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