Synonyms

settle for

British

verb

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

settle for Idioms

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

McCollum’s system was founded on a simple principle: Do not settle for anything less than exactly the shot you want.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Even if it were, the linkage implies that “Dynasty: The Murdochs” doesn’t settle for simply being informative.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

Doncic had a chance at 50 points in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in October, but missed a late free throw that forced him to settle for 49 points.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The CCNI's advice for customers is not to settle for the first quote you receive and that it is best to buy in bulk.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

“What a smart girl. Don’t you settle for anything, Annushka!”

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023