solve

1 of 2

verb

ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
ˈsȯlv
solved; solving
Synonyms of solve

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

solver

2 of 2

noun

solv·​er
ˈsälvə(r), 
ˈsȯlv- also ˈsä(u̇)v- or ˈsȯv-
plural -s
: one that solves

Synonyms of solve

Relevance

Verb

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Examples of solve in a Sentence

Verb 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
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Verb
In my experience, genuine partial yields are the difference between couples who argue about — and solve — problems and couples who get stuck arguing about each other. — Mark Travers, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 Along the way, some concerns about resources have been solved through conversations Pore has had with the athletic department. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 11 Oct. 2026 While allowing red fuel isn't going to solve all problems, as mentioned here previously, the temporary diesel policy is appreciated by diesel users. — Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026 McKinsey was about learning and always being curious and solving problems. — Jenny B. Fine, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solve

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Verb

circa 1533, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of solve was circa 1533

Rhymes for solve

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Browse Nearby Words

Solvay process
solve
solvency
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Solve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solve. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solve

verb
ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
ˈsȯlv
solved; solving
: to find a solution for
solve a puzzle
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