SETTLE Synonyms: 264 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

settle

verb

ˈse-tᵊl

Definition of settle next

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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Relevance

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as in to inhabit

to supply with inhabitants the region was originally settled by farmers

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as in to decide

to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute) settled the lawsuit in favor of the defendant

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as in to arrange

to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of settled their wedding plans without any major disagreements

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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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as in to lodge

to establish or place comfortably or snugly settled the sleeping baby into her crib

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as in to compose

to free from distress or disturbance a hot meal settled the children down

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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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as in to pay

to give what is owed for settle a debt

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repudiate

as in to determine

to make final, definite, or beyond dispute this information should settle the question of who is right

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as in to shush

to stop the noise or speech of settled the class with a firm "quiet!"

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stir
agitate

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

Examples 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 The arcs have shifted slightly since their first detection, leading scientists to believe that the rings are young and still settling in. —

Shi En Kim, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024 But the outcome of the election — whenever it's settled — will shape monetary policy dynamics in the years to come. —

Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 After Hours settles at No. 45, while Beauty Behind the Madness is back in absolute last place, at No. 50. —

Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Colorado voters cast their ballots on Nov. 5, with voters weighing in on the presidential race and several down-ballot races, which are mostly settled after a chaotic redistricting period. —

Abc News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for settle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for settle

Verb

The stark, nearly windowless five-story building was earlier this year vacated by the Frick Collection, which had inhabited it since 2021 as the Frick Madison while its own home, a Gilded Age Fifth Avenue mansion, was being restored.

News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2024
Now, Paul Rudd has the distinction of being the first actor on this show to inhabit two roles….

Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 29 Oct. 2024