resolved; resolving
1
a
: to deal with successfully : clear up
resolve doubts
resolve a dispute
b
: to find an answer to
c
: to make clear or understandable
d
: to find a mathematical solution of
e
: to split up into two or more components especially in assigned directions
resolve a vector
2
: to reach a firm decision about
resolve to get more sleep
resolve disputed points in a text
3
a
: to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote
b
: to change by resolution or formal vote
the house resolved itself into a committee
4
b
: to reduce by analysis
resolve the problem into simple elements
c
: to distinguish between or make independently visible adjacent parts of
d
: to separate (a racemic compound or mixture) into the two components
5
: to make (something, such as one or more voice parts or the total musical harmony) progress from dissonance to consonance
6
: to work out the resolution of (something, such as a play)
7
: to cause resolution of (a pathological state)
1
: to become separated into component parts
also
: to become reduced by dissolving or analysis
2
: to form a resolution : determine
3
4
: to progress from dissonance to consonance
resolver
noun
1
: fixity of purpose : resoluteness
2
: something that is resolved
3
: a legal or official determination
especially
: a formal resolution
Synonyms
Examples of resolve in a Sentence
Verb
The brothers finally resolved their conflict.
The issue of the book's authorship was never resolved.
His speech did nothing to resolve doubts about the company's future.
They haven't been able to resolve their differences.
She resolved to quit smoking.
He resolved that he would start dating again.
The committee resolved to override the veto.
Noun
His comments were intended to weaken her resolve but they only served to strengthen it.
a naval pilot who has been unwavering in his resolve to become an astronaut
Recent Examples on the Web
Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
As long as Intel has the best technology and is competitive on price, competitive issues can be resolved.
—Craig Barrett, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Just when Americans had all but forgotten about the senescent apparition haunting the Oval Office, Joe Biden wanders aimlessly in from the wings to remind the voting public of its resolve to usher him out of public life forever.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for resolve 
Verb
Slowly but surely, though, these challenges are being resolved.
—Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
As long as Intel has the best technology and is competitive on price, competitive issues can be resolved.
—Craig Barrett, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024
Noun
Thunberg’s vulnerability, combined with her resolve, represented both the fragility and the strength of our planet, and likely held up a mirror to the inner child within all of us who feels helpless in the face of overwhelming challenges.
—Mark Travers, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
Just when Americans had all but forgotten about the senescent apparition haunting the Oval Office, Joe Biden wanders aimlessly in from the wings to remind the voting public of its resolve to usher him out of public life forever.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for resolve
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'resolve.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near resolve
Cite this Entry
“Resolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resolve. Accessed 3 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
resolve
1 of 2 verb
re·solve
ri-ˈzälv 
-ˈzȯlv
resolved; resolving
1
: to break up or separate into individual parts
2
a
: to clear up : dispel
resolve doubts
b
: to find an answer or solution to
3
: to reach a decision about : decide
resolve to study harder
4
: to declare or decide by a formal resolution and vote
resolver
noun
resolve
2 of 2 noun1
: something resolved : resolution
2
: firmness of purpose
Legal Definition
resolve
1 of 2 verb
re·solve
ri-ˈzälv
resolved; resolving
1
: to deal with successfully : clear up
resolve a dispute
2
a
: to declare or decide by formal resolution and vote
b
: to change by resolution or formal vote
the house resolved itself into a committee
: to form a resolution
resolve
2 of 2 noun1
: something that is resolved
2
: a legal or official determination
especially
: a legislative declaration
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