solve

verb

ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No matter what happens, USC’s next president will have a serious financial crisis to solve, a furious faculty to calm and a tense political climate to navigate. Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025 That’s the demand problem that PJM is focused on, which is not Maryland’s problem to solve. David S. Lapp, Baltimore Sun, 7 July 2025 But whereas some closers wouldn’t waste time trying to solve that problem, Díaz has worked hard on being quicker home. Tim Britton, New York Times, 7 July 2025 Advocacy groups including The Connecticut Coalition to Protect Bears, which formed in 2021, maintain that a bear hunt would not help solve minimizing these kinds of interactions. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for solve

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of solve was circa 1533

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solve. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

solve

verb
ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
ˈsȯlv
solved; solving
: to find a solution for
solve a puzzle

More from Merriam-Webster on solve

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