What Is Another Way to Say “Sit Down”?

Looking for synonyms for sit down? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say sit down.

  • Take a seat
  • Be seated
  • Settle down
  • Perch
  • Plant oneself
  • Park oneself
  • Rest
  • Occupy a chair
  • Plop down
  • Plunk down
  • Alight
  • Squat
  • Repose
  • Seat oneself
  • Nestle

Want to learn how to say sit down professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Take a seat

Used in formal and informal settings to invite someone to sit.

  • Example: “As the meeting began, the manager politely asked everyone to take a seat.”

2. Be seated

A more formal invitation to sit, often used in events or restaurants.

  • Example: “Guests were asked to be seated before the commencement of the ceremony.”

3. Settle down

Used to ask someone to sit and calm down, often in a more relaxed or informal context.

  • Example: “The teacher asked the students to settle down after recess for the next lesson.”

4. Perch

To sit lightly or rest on the edge of something, often used informally.

  • Example: “She perched on the edge of the desk while explaining the project details.”

5. Plant oneself

Informal way of saying to sit firmly in one place.

  • Example: “He planted himself in his favorite armchair to watch the game.”

6. Park oneself

A casual expression to sit down, often with a sense of settling in for a while.

  • Example: “She parked herself at the cafe table, laptop ready, for a long afternoon of work.”

7. Rest

To take a break by sitting or lying down, used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Example: “After the long hike, they found a spot to rest and enjoy the view.”

8. Occupy a chair

A formal or literal way to indicate taking a seat.

  • Example: “He quickly occupied a chair as the conference session was about to start.”

9. Plop down

An informal expression for sitting heavily or suddenly.

  • Example: “Exhausted from the day, she plopped down on the couch.”

10. Plunk down

Similar to “plop down,” indicating sitting down heavily or without much grace.

  • Example: “He plunked down in the nearest seat after arriving late to the seminar.”

11. Alight

Formally to come to rest, settle, especially used in the context of birds but can be used poetically for people.

  • Example: “Guests began to alight at the garden chairs arranged for the outdoor event.”

12. Squat

To crouch or sit with one’s knees bent and one’s heels close to or touching one’s buttocks or the back of one’s thighs, often used for informal or temporary seating.

  • Example: “The photographer squatted to get the perfect angle for the shot.”

13. Repose

A formal or literary term meaning to lie down or to be at rest, but can imply sitting in a relaxed manner.

  • Example: “In the quiet library, several students reposed in comfortable chairs, immersed in their studies.”

14. Seat oneself

Taking the initiative to sit down without needing an invitation, often used in formal contexts.

  • Example: “Upon entering the boardroom, each director seated oneself, ready for the meeting to commence.”

15. Nestle

To settle or lie comfortably within or against something, used informally.

  • Example: “Finding her favorite spot in the corner of the sofa, she nestled in with a book.”

Linda Brown