solve

verb

ˈsälv 
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

Synonyms of solve

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this case, the reward was solving the ExploitGym questions and the hacking was literally hacking—cheating on the test and then hacking into Hugging Face in an effort to cover up the cheating (more on that below). — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 Protecting delicate internal materials To solve this problem, engineers created the UROCOIC architecture, which stands for Unitized Reinforcing Outer Cover On Internal Components. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 This math subtraction worksheet encourages kids to cross out shapes to solve single-digit problems. — Nicole Harris, Parents, 26 Aug. 2026 That problem is solved with All-Clad’s Outdoor Rotating Stone Pizza Oven. — Olivia Tarantino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for solve

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

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 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

solve

verb
ˈsälv 
ˈsȯlv
solved; solving
: to find a solution for
solve a puzzle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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