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

• answer
• break
• crack
• dope (out)
• figure out
• puzzle (out)
• resolve
• riddle (out)
• unravel
• unriddle
• work
• work out

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

Routing of traffic is essential and currently tends to be solved via symbolic or traditional mathematical means. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Indy homicide:Indianapolis killings in October 2024 Police have so far solved 65 cases, a clearance rate of 36.6%, according to monthly data provided by IMPD. —John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Nov. 2024

All that, plus Liev Schreiber as a pill-popping philanderer named Tag, Dakota Fanning in pregnancy prosthetics, and Donna Lynne Champlin as the beleaguered detective trying to solve the murder. —Tanya Melendez, EW.com, 2 Nov. 2024

While the psychological approaches above provide temporary relief and short-term pleasure, they are rooted in illusion and won't solve problems. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

solve

verb

ˈsälv 

ˈsȯlv

solved; solving

: to find a solution for

solve a puzzle