deal 1 of 3

Definition of dealnext

deal

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
2
3
4
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in bargain
something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

dispensed wisdom to the students

When is distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deal
Noun
Today is also a chance to get a deal on our favorite personal blender (great for smoothies), the Nutribullet Ultra. Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2026 The outlet includes products from brand names like Calvin Klein, Crocs, Adidas, and New Balance, and deals are often upwards of 76 percent off. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 June 2026
Verb
Below are all the Early Anniversary sale shoe deals worth shopping, starting at $28. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026 But, right at the buzzer for the late first rounder, the Nuggets dealt the pick to the Spurs for the 35th overall pick and two future second round picks. Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Noun
  • So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines and essential supplies, were ready to depart for Caracas.
    Will Clark, NBC news, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump reiterated that military action remains on the table if Iran does not comply with their agreement.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires presidents to submit agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to Congress for approval, temporarily bars the president from waiving sanctions while lawmakers review.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Seoul / BeijingReuters — As Europe sweats through record-breaking temperatures, Asian makers of air conditioners, like South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, China’s Midea and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric, are enjoying a boom in sales.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • But Coleman said that cities are already struggling to maintain a high quality of service in a context of high inflation, cuts in federal funding, and stagnant sales revenue.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • References to the president were also stripped from email signatures and communications, as well as papers like brochures, press releases and contracts.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 June 2026
  • Peinado said that a businessman who allegedly benefited from the government contracts and the consultant that worked for Gómez will also stand trial.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • The team agreed to acquire wing Aaron Wiggins from the Thunder in exchange for two second-round picks, according to a person familiar with the situation.
    Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 22 June 2026
  • As Kennedy and Bessette spend more time together and grow closer, her intimidation of the spotlight and fear of invasive paparazzi often create tension in their relationship, despite his attempts to calm the situation.
    Gerrad Hall, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Noun
  • Some concerts will be a bigger bargain than others.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 22 June 2026
  • Relative bargain Please do not be mad at me for relaying this insurance math.
    Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • His name had been connected to trade rumors over the past few weeks with Florida being among teams linked to veterans such as Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck who are reportedly seeking to be dealt.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 21 June 2026
  • The silver thatch palm, indeginous to Cayman, was twisted by hand into rope that would not rot in saltwater, traded with passing ships for flour and salt and essentials the islands could not produce.
    Baz Dreisinger, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • But Iran denied making any new commitments on monitoring, with state media reporting that Tehran did not negotiate the nuclear issue during 18 hours of discussions.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The Heat and other NBA teams have been allowed to negotiate with their own impending free agents since June 14 — the day after the last game of the NBA Finals.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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