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

Years of investigation and interrogation failed to definitively solve the mystery of McPherson’s vanishing. —Casey Cep, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

And it won’t be solved by job descriptions, dashboards, or top-down messaging. —Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

The cast chemistry is alive and well after a seven year gap, and the script finds an organic way to expand the story and solve its mysteries. —Steve Greene, IndieWire, 12 Apr. 2025

More than four decades after the killings, PEOPLE is looking back at the haunting serial killer case and how it was solved with a revolutionary way of using DNA. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 12 Apr. 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