1
as in lays
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 inhabits
to supply with inhabitants
the region was originally settled by farmers
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3
as in decides
to give an opinion about (something at issue or in dispute)
settled the lawsuit in favor of the defendant
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4
as in arranges
to come to an agreement or decision concerning the details of
settled their wedding plans without any major disagreements
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5
as in perches
to come to rest after descending from the air
birds settling on the branches of the maple tree
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6
as in nestles
to establish or place comfortably or snugly
settled the sleeping baby into her crib
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7
as in calms
to free from distress or disturbance
a hot meal settled the children down
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8
as in contains
to gain emotional or mental control of
settled himself only with visible effort after the angry outburst
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9
as in pays
to give what is owed for
settle a debt
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10
as in determines
to make final, definite, or beyond dispute
this information should settle the question of who is right
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of settles
The best way to tackle this show is to watch Season 1, then look up the big spoiler for Season 2, and then skip Season 2 and watch Season 3, where the program ultimately settles into its melodramatic, soapy groove.
—
Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
As Seattle settles into the rainy season, don't expect a sea of umbrellas on the sidewalks.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025
And on January 11, the North Node also settles into the deep waters of this part of the sky, initiating a new year and a half long journey of homecoming and identifying more closely with your roots.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024
The union, which represents about 15,000 workers in the region, announced that the deal settles the last of the city's 2024 hotel strikes, covering approximately 900 Hilton workers.
—Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
As Charlotte settles into his harness and works his back flippers, the team will gradually add more weights to counteract his bubble butt syndrome.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
My Everything settles in similar positions on two other tallies across the pond.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
As the chancellor settles into her leadership role and with a looming UFT election, decisions made now will determine whether New York City’s education system improves or falls back into the cycle of abandoning progress too soon.
—Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024
The secret of the chocolate crinkle cookie is a dough that rises and expands, then settles again to crack and crinkle just so.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 3 Jan. 2025
As Seattle settles into the rainy season, don't expect a sea of umbrellas on the sidewalks.
—Christine Clarridge, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025
And on January 11, the North Node also settles into the deep waters of this part of the sky, initiating a new year and a half long journey of homecoming and identifying more closely with your roots.
—Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Dec. 2024
The union, which represents about 15,000 workers in the region, announced that the deal settles the last of the city's 2024 hotel strikes, covering approximately 900 Hilton workers.
—Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024
As Charlotte settles into his harness and works his back flippers, the team will gradually add more weights to counteract his bubble butt syndrome.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Dec. 2024
My Everything settles in similar positions on two other tallies across the pond.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
As the chancellor settles into her leadership role and with a looming UFT election, decisions made now will determine whether New York City’s education system improves or falls back into the cycle of abandoning progress too soon.
—Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, New York Daily News, 16 Dec. 2024
The secret of the chocolate crinkle cookie is a dough that rises and expands, then settles again to crack and crinkle just so.
—Micah A Leal, Southern Living, 15 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for settles
Verb
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Lithgow totally inhabits Dahl, warts and all.Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
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Sure, they’re meant to be funny, but Tomlin inhabits each of them — from Trudy the homeless woman to Brandy and Tina, hookers tired of being interviewed by intellectuals — with affection and empathy alike.Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Gi-hun gives Sang-woo’s mother part of his winnings and decides to go home to see his daughter in the United States.Matt Minton, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024
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The two witness and experience so much abuse that Elwood finally decides to fight back, despite the risk of retaliation by the school's administrators.Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This round comes at a key moment for the city’s urban core where, with a budget around $7 million, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership arranges security and cleaning services, pursues economic development efforts and funds homeless outreach, among other things.Annika Merrilees, Sacramento Bee, 3 Jan. 2025
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So whenever a guest books a room, the concierge team arranges a call to learn what a visitor wants from their vacation.Noah Lederman, Robb Report, 29 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Exposure to nature, with its subtle sounds, tranquil silence, and limited color palette calms both brain and body.Richard E. Cytowic, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
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His reassuring — and heartfelt speech — calms her nerves as both embrace their ghosts and get married.Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But the problem, experts say, is that sewage today contains a host of chemicals, including PFAS, generated by businesses, factories and homes.Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024
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Products, like Latisse—which contains an ingredient called Prostaglandin—were specially formulated to help lashes grow long.Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The 2025 re-edition pays tribute to the original collaboration, bringing back beloved motifs like the Monogram Multicolore, Cherry Blossom, and Superflat Panda.Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
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Cruise is his passenger, a ruthless hitman who pays Fox to drive him around wiping out targets.Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Citations are issued when the department determines a violation occurred.Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
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Material The material of a dog jacket determines its durability (during playtime, walks, and daily activity), its resistance to rain, and how easily it can be cleaned — all factors that will contribute to longevity.Madison Yauger, People.com, 3 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The film tells the story of a former Hollywood star (Moore) whose career decline lands her in Jane Fonda-style fitness-show territory.Anna Tingley, Variety, 6 Jan. 2025
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Expect a trade, possibly a deal that lands a long-term solution.Allan Mitchell, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near settles
Cite this Entry
“Settles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/settles. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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