solve

verb

ˈsälv How to pronounce solve (audio)
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

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.
Apparently, Comedy Central tried to solve its issue by going to Mulaney, not once but twice. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Nov. 2024 Asked if South Carolina should expand Medicaid, Simmer said the challenges South Carolina and other states confront are worsened by health care provider shortages and structural inequities too large and complicated for Medicaid expansion alone to solve. Kff Health News, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024 Investigators use genetic genealogy to solve cold cases by using suspect DNA collected from a crime scene, analyzing it, and converting it into a raw data file. Alaa Elassar, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 Understanding what is required to solve a pain point and where in the workflow the AI solution will bring the most business value reduces the risk of inefficiency. Oleksandr Sheremeta, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near solve

Cite this Entry

“Solve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solve. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

solve

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

More from Merriam-Webster on solve

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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