An anti-settling additive, composition containing the anti-settling additive, and methods for use in coating compositions or formulations. A HASE thickener with improved resistance to surfactants and anti-sag properties, compositions containing the thickener and methods for use of the thickener in coating compositions or formulations and the like. The anti-settling additive and the thickener being a polymer synthesized using a specialized associative monomer that contains C1-C4 alkyl, propylene oxide, ethylene oxide and a polymerizable group.
