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

dispensational

ˌdi-spən-ˈsā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-ˌspen-

adjective

Synonyms

• distribution
• allocation

Examples 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

Vargas’ message comes at the heels of Bishop Alberto Rojas of the Diocese of San Bernardino’s issuing a dispensation, saying parishioners in fear of ICE activity may miss Sunday Mass, the Los Angeles Times reported. —Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025

San Bernardino Roman Catholic Bishop Alberto Rojas issued a dispensation this week, offering members of his diocese’s roughly one million parishioners the option to stay home Sundays amid ongoing immigration enforcement sweeps. —Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2025

The dispensation by the diocese of San Bernardino, California, is in response to the Trump administration's mass deportation operations. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 July 2025

The world may be entering a period of disorder, one that settles only after the White House changes course or once a new dispensation takes hold in Washington. —Robert O. Keohane, Foreign Affairs, 2 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

see dispense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for dispensation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids 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

dispensational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

dispensation

noun

dis·​pen·​sa·​tion ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen- 

: the act of dispensing

the dispensation of medicines