Settle for means to accept something that isn't what you really wanted, because the better option isn't available. She wanted a permanent job but settled for a short contract. The well-known motto I won't settle for less means I'll accept nothing below my standard.
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settle for something; settle for less; won't settle for anything less
- The window seats were taken, so we settled for a table near the door.
- She wanted a permanent role but settled for a short contract.
- I won't settle for a vague reply when I need a delivery date.
What changed
First versionAll the larger rooms were booked, so we settled with the smallest one.
RevisionAll the larger rooms were booked, so we settled for the smallest one.
With feels natural here because of phrases like make do with or be happy with. But for accepting a worse option the preposition is for: settled for the smallest room. Settle with means something else: pay what you owe or reach an agreement with someone.
Settle on simply means make a choice, with no disappointment: we settled on Friday. Settle for means take what's left: all the good dates were taken, so we settled for Monday.
Your turn
You accept a less suitable option because the preferred one is unavailable: We had to settle ___ a later train.
Show the answer
for — Accepting an option worse than the one you wanted is settle for. Settle with means reach an agreement with someone or pay them what you owe.
Describe a small compromise: what you wanted and what you finally accepted.
I wanted a morning appointment, but I settled for an afternoon slot.
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