Illustration of settle
settle
1 of 2verb
set·tle ˈse-tᵊl 
settled; settling ˈset-liŋ
ˈse-tᵊl-iŋ
transitive verb
1
: to place so as to stay
2
a
: to establish in residence
b
: to furnish with inhabitants : colonize
3
a
: to cause to pack down
b
: to clarify by causing dregs or impurities to sink
4
: to make quiet or orderly
5
a
: to fix or resolve conclusively
settle the question
b
: to establish or secure permanently
settle the order of royal succession
c
: to conclude (a lawsuit) by agreement between parties usually out of court
d
: to close (something, such as an account) by payment often of less than is due
6
: to arrange in a desired position
7
: to make or arrange for final disposition of
settled his affairs
8
of an animal : impregnate
intransitive verb
1
: to come to rest
2
a
: to sink gradually or to the bottom
b
: to become clear by the deposit of sediment or scum
c
: to become compact by sinking
3
a
: to become fixed, resolved, or established
a cold settled in his chest
b
: to establish a residence or colony
settled in Wisconsin
—often used with down 4
a
: to become quiet or orderly
b
: to take up an ordered or stable life —often used with down
marry and settle down
5
a
: to adjust differences or accounts
b
: to come to a decision —used with on or upon
settled on a new plan
c
: to conclude a lawsuit by agreement out of court
6
of an animal : conceive
settleable
ˈse-tᵊl-ə-bəl
adjective ˈset-lə-bəl
settle
2 of 2noun
: a wooden bench with arms, a high solid back, and an enclosed foundation which can be used as a chest
Synonyms
Verb
- lay
- sediment
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb They were determined to settle the dispute before going home for the day. The two sides have settled their differences. We need to settle this question once and for all. That settles it. I can't take the day off from work, so I'm not going. His grandparents were immigrants from Germany who settled in Pennsylvania. He always thought he'd leave the city and settle in the country. the people who settled the West See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Too often today, candidates are asked questions in debates and settle into boring talking points. cleveland, 3 Sep. 2022 In 2020, for example, Wells Fargo agreed to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission $3 billion to settle criminal and civil investigations into the company pressuring employees to create millions of fake accounts to meet unrealistic sales goals. Wyatte Grantham-philips, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2022 Despite the efforts to curb monkeypox spread, some public health officials are concerned that the virus will settle into vulnerable areas, such as communities of color, that historically have barriers to appropriate medical care. Joe Murphy, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2022 Failure could mean sacrificing lives for little or no gain, only to have the war settle into a stalemate through the winter. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2022 The spacecraft is scheduled to travel to the Moon, deploy some small satellites and then settle into orbit. Jack Burns, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2022 As adoptive parents settle into their new routine, teenage Zsófi starts to have doubts. Marta Balaga, Variety, 19 Aug. 2022 Hard work over the summer should pay off during the season as the Sultans settle into a more-normal routine. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 July 2022 Most players filing for arbitration settle before their hearings, which are scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 11. Mike Brehm, USA TODAY, 23 July 2022 How weird could things get if Twitter and Elon Musk settle? Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2022 In other words, Twitter’s board could sue Musk to force him to complete his $44 billion takeover (or more likely settle for an amount between $1 billion and $44 billion). Matt Durot, Forbes, 18 May 2022 This promo pays out varying bonuses to the 100 players whose NBA Finals same game parlay wagers with the longest odds settle as wins. Xl Media, cleveland, 13 June 2022 Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, gained 9 cents per barrel, or 0.1%, to $79.32, the highest settle value in about five weeks. Hardika Singh, WSJ, 30 Dec. 2021 In the other title fight, flyweight champion Brandon Moreno meets former champion Deiveson Figueiredo for the third time as these two settle once and for all who is the best at 125 pounds. oregonlive, 19 Jan. 2022 Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, said it’s too soon to say whether Omicron will be the force that pushes the pandemic into a seasonal settle-down. Megan Molteni, STAT, 20 Dec. 2021 See More
Verb
Grab a drink and settle into the couch or your favorite barstool. Chris Morris, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2022 Too often today, candidates are asked questions in debates and settle into boring talking points. cleveland, 3 Sep. 2022 In 2020, for example, Wells Fargo agreed to pay the Securities and Exchange Commission $3 billion to settle criminal and civil investigations into the company pressuring employees to create millions of fake accounts to meet unrealistic sales goals. Wyatte Grantham-philips, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2022 Despite the efforts to curb monkeypox spread, some public health officials are concerned that the virus will settle into vulnerable areas, such as communities of color, that historically have barriers to appropriate medical care. Joe Murphy, NBC News, 1 Sep. 2022 Failure could mean sacrificing lives for little or no gain, only to have the war settle into a stalemate through the winter. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Aug. 2022 The spacecraft is scheduled to travel to the Moon, deploy some small satellites and then settle into orbit. Jack Burns, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2022 As adoptive parents settle into their new routine, teenage Zsófi starts to have doubts. Marta Balaga, Variety, 19 Aug. 2022 Hard work over the summer should pay off during the season as the Sultans settle into a more-normal routine. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 Noun
As the three settle in for dinner, Junior (Marcus Scribner), in a graphic-patterned Dries Van Noten sweater, unsubtly attempts a photo with Obama. Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 July 2022 Most players filing for arbitration settle before their hearings, which are scheduled for July 27 to Aug. 11. Mike Brehm, USA TODAY, 23 July 2022 How weird could things get if Twitter and Elon Musk settle? Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2022 In other words, Twitter’s board could sue Musk to force him to complete his $44 billion takeover (or more likely settle for an amount between $1 billion and $44 billion). Matt Durot, Forbes, 18 May 2022 This promo pays out varying bonuses to the 100 players whose NBA Finals same game parlay wagers with the longest odds settle as wins. Xl Media, cleveland, 13 June 2022 Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, gained 9 cents per barrel, or 0.1%, to $79.32, the highest settle value in about five weeks. Hardika Singh, WSJ, 30 Dec. 2021 In the other title fight, flyweight champion Brandon Moreno meets former champion Deiveson Figueiredo for the third time as these two settle once and for all who is the best at 125 pounds. oregonlive, 19 Jan. 2022 Jeremy Kamil, a virologist at Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, said it’s too soon to say whether Omicron will be the force that pushes the pandemic into a seasonal settle-down. Megan Molteni, STAT, 20 Dec. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, to seat, bring to rest, come to rest, from Old English setlan, from setl seat
Noun
Middle English, place for sitting, seat, chair, from Old English setl; akin to Old High German sezzal seat, Latin sella seat, chair, Old English sittan to sit
First Known Use
Verb
1515, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
Noun
1553, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing settle
Kids Definition
settle 1 of 2
verb
set·tle ˈse-tᵊl
settled; settling
1
: to come to rest
Birds settled on a branch.
Dust settled on the table.
2
: to make a home
I'd like to settle in the country.
3
: to make quiet : calm
The tea settled my nerves.
4
: decide sense 1
It's settled then—we'll each pay our own way.
5
: to place so as to stay
I settled myself in a chair.
6
: to sink gradually to a lower level
The foundations of the house settled.
7
: to sink in a liquid
8
: to give attention to
Settle down to work now.
9
: to fix by agreement
They are hoping to settle the case out of court.
10
: to put in order
They settled their affairs.
11
: to complete payment on
Waiter, we're ready to settle our bill.
12
: to bring to an end
They settled their argument.
13
: to take up a stable life
You're not a kid anymore. It's time to settle down.
14
: to be content with
He settled for his second choice.
settle
2 of 2noun
: a long wooden bench with arms and a high solid back
Medical Definition
settle
verb
set·tle ˈset-ᵊl
settled; settling
transitive verb
of an animal : impregnate sense 1a
intransitive verb
of an animal : conceive
Legal Definition
settle
verb
set·tle
settled; settling
transitive verb
1
: to resolve conclusively
settle a question of law
2
: to establish or secure permanently
a settled legal principle
3
: close
settle the sale of securities
settle the estate
4
: to resolve a disagreement about (a court order)
no hearing to consider these objections and to settle the order had been conducted Saba v. Gray, 314 N.W.2d 597 (1981)
Saba v. Gray, 314 N.W.2d 597 (1981)5
a
: to fix (a price) by mutual agreement
b
: to conclude (a lawsuit) by entering into an agreement negotiated by the parties usually out of court
c
: to close (as an account) by payment
also : to close by compromise and payment of less than the full amount claimed or due
intransitive verb
1
: to conclude a lawsuit by entering into an agreement
the plaintiff chose to settle out of court
2
: to make a settlement of a transfer of funds
3
: to adjust differences or accounts
settled with his creditors
settle
verb
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- lay
- filter
- sediment
- clear
- clarify
- sift
- resettle
- screen
- sieve
- strain
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- raise
- stir
- disturb
- mix
- agitate
2
as in to populate
to supply with inhabitants the region was originally settled by farmers Synonyms & Similar Words
- populate
- inhabit
- colonize
- people
- relocate (to)
- move (to)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- depopulate
- unpeople
3
as in to decide
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute) settled the lawsuit in favor of the defendant Synonyms & Similar Words
- decide
- arbitrate
- adjudicate
- adjudge
- judge
- resolve
- determine
- prosecute
- hear
- weigh
- referee
- umpire
- deem
- consider
- mediate
- ponder
- try
- deliberate
- rule (on)
- moderate
- negotiate
- conclude
- size up
- redetermine
- find (for or against)
- rejudge
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- equivocate
- hedge
- skirt
- pussyfoot
4
as in to arrange
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of settled their wedding plans without any major disagreements Synonyms & Similar Words
- decide
- arrange
- resolve
- choose
- set
- complete
- finalize
- plan
- figure
- fix
- dispose of
- finish
- design
- determine
- promise
- negotiate
- agree (on)
- conclude
- contract
- approve
- opt
- shape
- calculate
- chart
- confirm
- deal
- close
- maneuver
- draft
- scheme
- program
- pledge
- lay out
- authorize
- affirm
- work out
- frame
- sanction
- blueprint
- hammer out
- intrigue
- concert
- wrap up
- end
- bargain
- haggle
- warrant
- schematize
- wind up
- dicker
- square away
- okay
- clear
- map (out)
- horse-trade
- OK
- programme
- chaffer
- round (off or out)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- call
- drop
- recall
- rescind
- revoke
- abort
- repeal
- resist
- differ (over)
- disagree (with)
- oppose
- dispute
- call off
- counter
- debate
- protest
- object
- contest
5
as in to land
to come to rest after descending from the air birds settling on the branches of the maple tree Synonyms & Similar Words
- land
- perch
- alight
- touch down
- light
- roost
- crash-land
- belly-land
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- arise
- rise
- climb
- take off
- ascend
- fly
- plane
- float
- blast off
- hang
- soar
- wing
- glide
- hover
6
as in to nestle
to establish or place comfortably or snugly settled the sleeping baby into her crib Synonyms & Similar Words
- nestle
- lodge
- position
- perch
- park
- install
- locate
- ensconce
- situate
- plant
- roost
- house
- deploy
- set
- station
- camp
- anchor
- fix
- burrow
- curl up
- emplace
- bivouac
- harbor
- dig in
- camp (out)
7
as in to compose
to free from distress or disturbance a hot meal settled the children down Synonyms & Similar Words
- compose
- calm
- lull
- soothe
- appease
- relax
- still
- quiet
- quieten
- tranquilize
- placate
- salve
- quell
- relieve
- tranquillize
- pacify
- conciliate
- hush
- lullaby
- mollify
- alleviate
- mitigate
- allay
- lay
- ease
- becalm
- assuage
- sedate
- solace
- narcotize
- stupefy
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disturb
- upset
- agitate
- perturb
- intensify
- aggravate
- heighten
- vex
- rouse
- key (up)
- incite
- discompose
- arouse
- foment
- stir (up)
- excite
- disquiet
- work up
8
as in to calm
to gain emotional or mental control of settled himself only with visible effort after the angry outburst Synonyms & Similar Words
- compose
- calm
- contain
- collect
- restrain
- control
- re-collect
- recover
- still
- lull
- hold back
- soothe
- quiet
- tranquilize
- tranquillize
- rally
9
as in to pay
to give what is owed for settle a debt Synonyms & Similar Words
- pay
- meet
- balance
- stand
- liquidate
- pay up
- pay off
- foot
- clear
- discharge
- quit
- recompense
- pony up
- spring (for)
- ante (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- repudiate
10
as in to clinch
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute this information should settle the question of who is right Synonyms & Similar Words
- decide
- clinch
- determine
- clarify
- prove
- establish
- define
- insure
- ensure
- nail
- assure
- stipulate
- affirm
- secure
- specify
- nail (down)
- state
- illuminate
- finish
- demonstrate
- show
- end
- conclude
- clear (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- unsettle
- confuse
- muddy
- muddle
11
as in to shush
to stop the noise or speech of settled the class with a firm "quiet!" Synonyms & Similar Words
- shush
- still
- silence
- mute
- quiet
- quell
- hush
- dumb
- squelch
- quieten
- extinguish
- shut up
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stir
- agitate
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
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
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
Phrases Containing settle
- Japan lily
- Japan medlar
- Japan paper
- japan plum
- Japan quince
- Japan rose
- Japan tea
- Japan tree lilac
- Japan varnish
- Japan walnut
- Japan wax
- Japan, Sea of
- Japanese
- Japanese acid clay
- japanese acid earth
- Japanese allspice
- Japanese andromeda
- Japanese anemone
- Japanese angelica tree
- Japanese ape
- Japanese apricot
- Japanese arborvitae
- Japanese artichoke
- Japanese ash
- Japanese aspen