dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-shən 
-ˌspen-
1
a
: a general state or ordering of things
specifically
: a system of revealed (see reveal entry 1 sense 1) commands and promises regulating human affairs
a privilege maintained under the new dispensation
b
: a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature
involving special dispensation by the Church
2
a
: an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath
may be granted a dispensation from the rule
b
: a formal authorization
requested a dispensation to form another lodge
3
a
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medication
b
: something dispensed or distributed
… one of the most remarkable cultural dispensations in the country's history, the paperback book.—
T. E. Cooney
T. E. CooneyExamples of dispensation in a Sentence
The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.
The state gave the town a special dispensation, allowing it to ignore the law in this case.
Recent Examples on the Web
The best outcomes for the United States presume that Americans focus not on denying the coming economic dispensation but on shaping it.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The country’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) this week fielded proposals surrounding the dispensation of the short-term loans, which are repaid over time, and the responsibilities of providers.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 May 2025
Their division in The Deserters—split between a chastened regret for the failure of the postwar dispensation and a panicked feeling that some deep human irrationality has erupted once again—expresses a crisis in how to understand the end of the end of history.
—Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Everton have been given dispensation so that supporters can consume alcohol in their seats during the post-match show.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispensation
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Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
The country’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) this week fielded proposals surrounding the dispensation of the short-term loans, which are repaid over time, and the responsibilities of providers.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 May 2025
Their division in The Deserters—split between a chastened regret for the failure of the postwar dispensation and a panicked feeling that some deep human irrationality has erupted once again—expresses a crisis in how to understand the end of the end of history.
—Nicholas Dames, Harpers Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Everton have been given dispensation so that supporters can consume alcohol in their seats during the post-match show.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for dispensation
Cite this Entry
“Dispensation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispensation. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən
-ˌpen-
1
a
: a system of rules for ordering affairs
b
: a particular arrangement especially of nature
2
: release from a rule or from a vow or oath
3
a
: the act of dispensing
b
: something dispensed or distributed
Medical Definition
dispensation
noun
dis·pen·sa·tion
ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-
: the act of dispensing
the dispensation of medicines
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