put down roots

VERB

settle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

establish live

STRONG

abide colonize dwell inhabit locate lodge park reside squat

WEAK

hang up one's hat keep house move to set up home take root take up residence

Antonyms

STRONG

depart leave move

VERB

stay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

continue delay hang last linger remain reside settle stand stick around stop

STRONG

abide bide bunk dally endure halt hover lag loiter nest outstay pause perch procrastinate reprieve respite roost sojourn squat sweat tarry

WEAK

establish oneself hang about hang around hang in hang out hold the fort sit tight stay out stay put sweat it out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance depart go hurry leave move rush

STRONG

carry on complete finish push

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.

“I just looked at it and thought, ’I want to put down roots; I want to have a family,’” she shared.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

He added: "This will help people to put down roots and to feel secure in their own home - without the risk of being turfed out against their will."

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

Expats are questioning whether it still makes sense to put down roots.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

Instead, the family put down roots in Padthaway in South Australia, where Clarke would spend the rest of his childhood alongside his three younger siblings: Jodie, Aaron, and Angie.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 22, 2025

After living elsewhere for years, many had put down roots in new towns.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

put down roots

Example Sentences

Related Words