Definition of settlenext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
7
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 JetZero also plans to build the aircraft from the front first since the cockpit design is already settled. Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026 Away from social media, the roommates have settled into simple traditions that have only strengthened their friendship. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 5 July 2026 Here again, the decision may not have settled the issue for long. Susan Shelley, Oc Register, 5 July 2026 In a conference hall near the entrance, 16 trainees settle into plastic chairs for an introductory presentation on solar installation, a course launched this year as Buildher expands into additional technical trades. Christopher Clark, NPR, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for settle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for settle
Verb
  • The pilot program has laid bare a host of questions about the role of AI in medicine, including how it should be regulated, whether doctors should be able to veto it, and what kind of safety measures are needed to protect patients.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • During his 24 years on the Board of Supervisors, Haggerty’s vision of a connected Bay Area laid the groundwork for some of the largest infrastructure projects under construction today.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • An early career launched without shortcuts, with small roles in TV series and B movies until his major success as the star of the series ER, formed an actor who is able to inhabit the screen with disarming spontaneity.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 6 July 2026
  • These three deities are thought to be personifications of the Dao who inhabit the highest realms of the Daoist cosmos, far from the dust of day-to-day life.
    Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Both Swift and Kelce decided to forgo bridesmaids and groomsmen, per a statement shared with People.
    Hannah Malach, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Later, Swift revealed that she was charmed by Kelce’s willingness to court her so publicly and decided to give him a chance.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The floorplan is arranged with a clear separation between the living areas and private sleeping quarters of the home.
    Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • Bunting arranged this way is appropriate for covering a speaker’s desk, draping the front of a platform or general decoration.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Marie, perched between Lake Superior and Lake Huron and adjacent to its Canadian twin city of the same name.
    Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
  • Luna began the day hopping around, perching on the various trees near the nest.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine.
    Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • On a hike in 2005, Flod came across a truck tire lodged between two boulders in Malibu Creek.
    Ryan Steven Green, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • As the situation in the south has calmed under a tentative truce, Hamza is waiting for the animals’ owners to return and reclaim them.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
  • The city is recommending zoning regulations that fall in line with state statute while trying to calm residents who are worried data centers will overwhelm resources like water and energy and impose on their quality of life.
    Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Pomegranates also contain vitamin K and folate, which can help support healthy blood clotting and cell growth, respectively.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The Lineage warehouse, built in 2018, is likely to contain different materials of concern.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Settle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/settle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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