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

New Hampshire authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving a four-decade long murder mystery. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2026

To solve the problem, the team turned to phased arrays, flat electronic antennas that steer radio beams without moving parts. —New Atlas, 30 May 2026

This is not even like those other teams that had to try to figure out how to contend with the Heat’s Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh (or as how for a decade East teams had to try to solve LeBron with some type of LeBron-stopper). —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 30 May 2026

But eliminating explicit quotas doesn’t necessarily solve the problem. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 30 May 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