verb
1.
to find an answer or solution for (a problem or difficulty)
mass transit partially solved the traffic problem
Synonyms: fix, resolve, work, work out
Related Word: decide, determine, settle
Idioms: hit upon a solution
2.
to find an explanation or solution for something obscure, mysterious, or incomprehensible
the mystery of the missing cookies has been solved
Synonyms: break, ||cipher, clear up, decipher, dissolve, ||dope out, figure out, puzzle out, resolve, unfold, unravel, unriddle
Related Word: enlighten, illuminate; construe, elucidate, explain, interpret
Idioms: get to the bottom of, have it, put two and two together