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

• 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

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

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