Definitions

solve

[solv] / sɒlv /

VERB

answer, resolve

Synonyms

STRONGEST

clarify clear up deal with decide determine do explain figure out fix have iron out settle work out

STRONG

break construe crack decipher decode disentangle divine elucidate enlighten expound fathom get hit illuminate interpret lick puzzle reason unfold unlock unravel untangle work

WEAK

find out get right get to the bottom hit upon make a dent make out pan out put two and two together think out unriddle

Antonyms

STRONGEST

complicate confuse defer destroy hesitate miss neglect put off unsettle

STRONG

agree be vague fail hide lose mend misunderstand obscure tangle twist

WEAK

pose question search wonder

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Yang: Last year was a communication puzzle to solve.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The mystery remains difficult to solve because the full sequence of events that led to life is impossible to observe directly and extremely challenging to recreate.

From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026

“We wanted to figure out how we can solve problems for customers and restore competition to the market,” Horton says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

“Selling more portions, more cups, more servings every day…will solve most of our issues from the past,” Navratil tells Barron’s.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

She looks at me like she’s trying to solve a puzzle.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing solve

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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"Kids Are Inventors, Too"

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!