deal with

phrasal verb

dealt with; dealing with; deals with

1

: to be about (something) : to have (something) as a subject

Her speech dealt with health care and the nation's economy.

The film deals with some serious issues.

2

: to make business agreements with (someone)

He deals fairly with all his customers.

Their salespeople are very easy to deal with.

3

: to do something about (a person or thing that causes a problem or difficult situation)

The government dealt harshly with the rebels.

I'll deal with you later.

We weren't able/equipped/prepared to deal with such a large crowd of people.

4

: to accept or try to accept (something that is true and cannot be changed)

She's still trying to deal with his death.

The weather is bad, but we'll just have to deal with it.

Examples of deal with in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The conduct of those two agents, from the earliest moments interacting with demonstrators up through their decision to pull weapons and fire at Pretti, illustrate the dangers of flooding American cities with officers ill-equipped to deal with protesters in urban environments, experts told CNN. —Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN Money, 30 Jan. 2026

But visiting leaders still must straddle a fine balance when dealing with China. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last offseason. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026

With limited funds remaining, Crosby in May agreed to meet Carnahan, who was engaged in talks to close his deal with Artist Equity for The Rip, at the Sands Hotel in Indian Wells, according to the cross-complaint. —Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 29 Jan. 2026