settle for

British  

verb

1. (intr, preposition) to accept or agree to in spite of dispute or dissatisfaction

---

settle for Idioms  

1. Accept or be satisfied with as a compromise, as in He really wanted a bigger raise but decided to settle for what they offered. [Mid-1900s]

---

Example Sentences

But the transactions were cumbersome, slow and unreliable, and Tehran often had to settle for the money staying abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026

But he told The New York Times the US was still negotiating whether Iran would suspend enrichment for 20 years, hinting he might settle for 15.

From Barron's • Jun. 16, 2026

And for his vice president, he had to settle for J.D.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

When the bureau found discrepancies, it tended to settle for reprimands and improvement plans, rarely going so far as to revoke a dealer’s license.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

Everyone had to settle for the look on Em’s face, which was happiness.

From "Goodbye Stranger" by Rebecca Stead