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

The supply of properties that check all these boxes — functional ranch infrastructure, winery entitlements, the land and water profile that makes genuine self-sufficiency possible — is finite in ways that new construction can’t solve. —Lindsey Harn, Fortune, 6 June 2026

This case will be closed, and will be considered solved, non-criminal. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

This distinction matters because the appropriate remedy depends on the problem being solved. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

On a recent Wednesday night, a swarm of teenagers on a class trip filed into a pristine theater at one of the world’s most vaunted cultural venues and sat down to solve a murder. —Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 6 June 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