1
as in to lay
to cause to come to rest at the bottom (as of a liquid) the light rain will settle the dust in the air careful handling will settle the lees in the bottom of the wine bottle

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2
as in to inhabit
to supply with inhabitants the region was originally settled by farmers

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3
4
5
as in to perch
to come to rest after descending from the air birds settling on the branches of the maple tree

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6
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8
as in to contain
to gain emotional or mental control of settled himself only with visible effort after the angry outburst

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9
10
11
as in to shush
to stop the noise or speech of settled the class with a firm "quiet!"

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb settle differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of settle are decide, determine, resolve, and rule. While all these words mean "to come or cause to come to a conclusion," settle implies a decision reached by someone with power to end all dispute or uncertainty.

the dean's decision settled the campus alcohol policy

When might decide be a better fit than settle?

While in some cases nearly identical to settle, decide implies previous consideration of a matter causing doubt, wavering, debate, or controversy.

she decided to sell her house

When is it sensible to use determine instead of settle?

The words determine and settle can be used in similar contexts, but determine implies fixing the identity, character, scope, or direction of something.

determined the cause of the problem

When would resolve be a good substitute for settle?

In some situations, the words resolve and settle are roughly equivalent. However, resolve implies an expressed or clear decision or determination to do or refrain from doing something.

he resolved to quit smoking

In what contexts can rule take the place of settle?

Although the words rule and settle have much in common, rule implies a determination by judicial or administrative authority.

the judge ruled that the evidence was inadmissible

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of settle Late in the half Miami seemed poised to knot the score but settled for a 27-yard field goal, partly wasting Toney’s 61-yard catch and run to the Louisville nine. Miami Herald, 18 Oct. 2025 Auburn’s red-zone defense has been strong, but its pass coverage from linebackers and safeties has been a weak point, potentially creating an area Missouri could exploit if quarterback Beau Pribula settles in early. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025 The Duke of York has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, and in February 2022, settled with Giuffre — who died by suicide earlier this year — out of court for an undisclosed sum. Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Starship, a giant, fully reusable vehicle designed to help humanity settle Mars. Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for settle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for settle
Verb
  • When state troopers executed a search warrant at a motel where Zajko was staying, law enforcement found LaSota hiding in the bathroom of another room, laying still on the floor, his eyes closed, almost catatonic.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Mayorga laid the groundwork for the Ecuadorian cumbia sound and musicians like Medardo Luzuriaga, who transformed the genre into a national sensation.
    NPR, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • If time allows, add Museum of the American Revolution (Washington’s original field tent is the star), the Betsy Ross House, where the famed seamstress designed the American flag, and cobblestoned Elfreth’s Alley, the nation’s oldest continuously inhabited residential street, to your agenda.
    Regan Stephens, AFAR Media, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But inhabiting this patchwork outcast has sparked a creative resurgence (and rave reviews) for the 28-year-old Australian star, plus some real Oscar buzz.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the team struggles with grief, Sharon decides to pull Station 42 off active duty entirely, rather than assign a new captain.
    Alamin Yohannes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2025
  • When New Jersey suddenly came down hard on business, neighbouring Delaware decided to rewrite its rulebook to scoop up companies fleeing the state.
    Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • There, McIlroy was seen posing for photos with several of his trophies arranged on the basalt rocks, paying tribute to a season that many consider his most meaningful of all time.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Victoria Goodwin was sentenced to prison in May for arranging the plot with a Florida inmate.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In late June, the building is perched amid lush green trees that cover the mountain’s base.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • According to Carscoops, early renderings reveal a low-slung front end, circular headlights, a modest front grille, and a compact cockpit, complemented by wing mirrors perched high on the A-pillars.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ex-councilor pleaded guilty on May 5 to two of six charges — one count of wire fraud and one count of theft concerning a federal program — that had been lodged against her in a December 2024 federal indictment.
    Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The latest ceasefire quickly showed signs of fragility as both sides lodged complaints about how the other was handling the rollout of phase one, but the agreement has continued to hold as of Tuesday.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Its mid-rise Harlow jeans are composed of a cotton and elastane blend, with a powder-blue hue and strategic hints of distressing down the leg.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
  • This entire combo feels so effortless yet composed, the kind of outfit that looks intentional even after a red-eye.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can alter the pH balance of urine.
    MD Published, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
  • The popcorn may contain undeclared peanuts, posing a serious risk of allergic reactions.
    Jenna Anderson, Health, 20 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Settle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/settle. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

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