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

Lume The pop-top doesn't, however, solve the Ranger's main problem, which is that the bathroom cell juts out and takes up what appears to be more than a third of the only free floor space, which sits between the foot of the bed and the dinette. — New Atlas, 26 Sep. 2026

If the team can solve the remaining challenges, groups of the robots could work alongside larger machines in places where losing an individual robot would not end the mission. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

But Ema does not solve mysteries or bring murderers to justice. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026

Cage solved my next problem by insisting that the way to discover new things is to overcome our dependence on our likes and dislikes, those supposed pillars of criticism. — Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 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