settling 1 of 2

Definition of settlingnext

settling

2 of 2

verb

present participle of settle
1
as in filtering
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 populating
to supply with inhabitants the region was originally settled by farmers

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3
4
5
6
7
8
as in containing
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 shushing
to stop the noise or speech of settled the class with a firm "quiet!"

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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 settling
Adjective
Dylan’s attorney, Kerry Garvis Wright, countered by saying a non-settling defendant such as Scott is only entitled to an offset for settlement of economic damages. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Individuals who remain in the class and submit valid claims release their rights to sue Cargill or Tyson over the same allegations, but retain any rights against non-settling defendants. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Pick three colors, say pink, brown and green, and run a one-week trial of each before settling. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 He was first forced from his home as a child during South Sudan’s struggle for independence, eventually settling in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum. — Patricia Huon, Christian Science Monitor, 9 Oct. 2026 In January 2026, the company launched Beyond Borders, an employee network where international staff can help one another navigate the hurdles of settling in, such as finding a doctor, navigating an insurance policy document, or arranging childcare. — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Unlike thick, cakey formulas, this liquid foundation sets with a matte, flexible finish that moves with your features rather than settling into them. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026 For a simple one-button affair, Nespresso coffee machines are also on sale and make great gifts for people just settling into their first kitchen. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 7 Oct. 2026 On the last Friday of every month, MAMM stays open late for visitors to explore before settling in for a free outdoor film screening at the plaza in front of the museum. — Nikkita Nair, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Likewise, tipping can make settling up uncomfortable when dining out with friends. — CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 The company has faced a wave of lawsuits about child safety and data security, most recently settling a major federal case involving a group of state attorneys general for nearly $17 billion. — Caleigh Keating, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for settling
Adjective
  • Tushy Fresh Dual-Nozzle Bidet Offering easy installation, this bidet with a no-frills interface has some relaxing perks (including a heated water option) without too many extra knobs and levers.
    — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Ocean-facing rooms have hot tubs built into the balconies and few things are more relaxing than watching the neon-pinky swirl of sunset from the tub, through the layer of jungle bush.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bangkok's preservationists realized that the river could once again become the soul of the city, and creative hoteliers and restaurateurs began filtering back.
    — Tony Perrottet, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Even more baffling is that American Girl already includes age categories as a method for filtering books on its website.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Artists and musicians had flocked to dirt-cheap rents, populating the neighborhood with small clubs and cheap tickets.
    — Michael Calderone, Curbed, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Democratic Party needs someone like you to bring the spirit of Rocky Marciano into the political ring instead of the creampuffs populating Democratic leadership today.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, and early withdrawals may face penalties unless they’re used for qualifying expenses such as education or a first home, so families should review the tax rules before deciding how to use the money.
    — Fernanda Tronco, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Coach Jim Harbaugh blamed himself for starting the landslide by deciding to go for it on fourth down from the Chargers’ 41, saying the team should have punted then relied on its defense, which had played well all day.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Rossi interpreted the idea of the piazza quite literally, arranging the service’s pieces like structures around a public square.
    — Robb Report, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • In January 2026, the company launched Beyond Borders, an employee network where international staff can help one another navigate the hurdles of settling in, such as finding a doctor, navigating an insurance policy document, or arranging childcare.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • No club have spent more time perching on the highest rung of English football than Everton.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • There was a time, the woman said, when rolling down the road meant perching on her husband’s back seat.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • That officer then shot into Perez's vehicle, lodging a bullet in his back, officials say.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026
  • That officer then shot into Perez’s vehicle, lodging a bullet in his back, officials say.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Michael Abels Abels was tasked with composing the music for Alex’s solo cello practice sessions.
    — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 3 Oct. 2026
  • However, the Dolphins released Hunter, a former Auburn standout who was a 2025 fourth-round pick, four days later when composing its 53-man roster.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Settling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/settling. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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