Another Word for Solve – Meaning, Synonyms, and Examples
The word solve is a common verb meaning to find an answer to a problem or to resolve a difficulty. To make your English more varied and specific, learning another word for solve will help. Using synonyms allows you to specify whether you mean finding an answer, resolving a conflict, or deciphering a mystery.
What is Another Word for Solve?
A great synonym for solve is resolve. Solve means to find an answer to a problem or mystery. Resolve means to settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter). Both words capture the core idea of bringing a problem or issue to a definite conclusion or answer. Learning words like resolve helps you emphasize the act of settling a complex issue, especially conflicts or disputes.
Meaning of “Solve”
Solve means to find an answer to, explanation for, or means of effectively dealing with (a problem or mystery); or, to work out the answer to or meaning of.
We use it for math (to solve an equation), problems (to solve a crisis), or mysteries (to solve a crime).
Synonyms for “Solve”
Here are some common ways to say solve:
- Resolve: To settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter). (A strong alternative emphasizing settling conflicts.)
- Determine: To firmly decide or settle (a question or a conflict). (Used when emphasizing establishing a definitive outcome.)
- Decipher: To succeed in interpreting or understanding (something written or expressed in a difficult or unclear way). (Used when emphasizing figuring out something complex or coded.)
- Unravel: To investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling). (Used when emphasizing clarifying a complex or tangled issue.)
- Crack: (Informal) To find a solution to (a problem or mystery). (Used as an informal, strong alternative for breaking a mystery/code.)
Example Sentences
- The mediator was hired to resolve the labor dispute between the union and the management.
- The committee must determine the true cause of the system failure.
- With great difficulty, the historian managed to decipher the ancient manuscript.
- Investigators worked tirelessly to unravel the complex financial fraud case.
- After months of searching, the police finally managed to crack the cold case.
Mini Dialogue
Sam: “We have to solve this design flaw before the launch.”
Mia: “I think we can resolve the issue by changing the circuit board. We need to determine the simplest path forward.”
Sam: “Once that’s done, we can unravel the remaining dependencies.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don’t use Decipher if the problem is a physical one (e.g., decipher a broken pipe). Decipher is for interpreting information or codes.
✅ Do use Resolve for conflicts/disputes and Unravel for complex, tangled problems.
Let’s Practice!
Which synonym best fits this sentence? “The forensic team used advanced technology to __________ the encrypted message found on the hard drive.” (Answer: Decipher – This synonym works best because it refers specifically to interpreting or understanding something written or expressed in a coded or unclear way.)
Practice Tip
Use resolve or unravel instead of “solve” in your next description of a complex problem to add specificity.
Final Note
Knowing what is another word for solve and practicing synonyms like resolve and decipher will help you describe finding answers clearly.
