dispense

dis·pense | \ di-ˈspen(t)s

How to pronounce dispense (audio)

\

dispensed; dispensing

Definition of dispense

transitive verb

1a : to divide and share out according to a plan : to deal out in portions dispense food among the needy

b : administer dispense justice

2 : to exempt from a law or release from a vow, oath, or impediment : to give dispensation (see dispensation sense 2a) to : exempt may dispense students from this requirement

3 : to prepare and distribute (medication) dispensing pills to their patients

intransitive verb

archaic : to grant dispensation

dispense with

1 : to set aside : discard dispensing with the usual introduction

2 : to do without could dispense with such a large staff

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about dispense

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Choose the Right Synonym for dispense

distribute, dispense, divide, deal, dole out mean to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group. distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. distributed food to the needy 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 divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. three charitable groups divided the proceeds deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. deal out equipment and supplies dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. doled out what little food there was

Examples of dispense in a Sentence

The ATM only dispenses $20 bills. a newspaper columnist who dispenses advice to millions of readers each week Pharmacists are certified to dispense medication.

Recent Examples on the Web The usual National Security Council process was dispensed with; only a small circle of advisers was even clued in. — Peter Baker, New York Times, "How Trump’s Plan to Secretly Meet With the Taliban Came Together, and Fell Apart," 8 Sep. 2019 Another smart move: Muschietti dispenses with one of the book's subplots involving Beverley's abusive husband and Bill's wife, Audra, following their spouses to Derry and getting pulled into Pennywise's shenanigans. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Review: IT Chapter Two is overlong, but Pennywise will still haunt your dreams," 6 Sep. 2019 Apart from Dawn to Dusk, the formulas avoid triggering either the jitters or the crash of caffeine by dispensing with the kick as well. — Richard Cooke, The New Republic, "The conservative commentariat’s love affair with nootropics," 3 Sep. 2019 Gauff was crying after Osaka dispensed with her 6-3, 6-0 in just 65 minutes. — Ann Killion, SFChronicle.com, "U.S. Open: Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff showed that women’s game is in good hands," 2 Sep. 2019 Both the Magnfica S and Incanto grind, compress, brew, and dispense espresso with the tap of a button. — Jeffrey Van Camp, WIRED, "Are Super Automatic Espresso Machines Worth It?," 21 July 2019 It’s been used for everything from identifying jaywalkers to dispensing toilet paper. — Jane Li, Quartz, "China’s obsession with looking good is filtering into facial-recognition payments," 3 July 2019 The goal is faster boarding and departure, dispensing with those lap-scrutinizing walk-throughs flight attendants must perform. — Justin Bachman / Bloomberg, Time, "The Next Generation of Airbus Aircraft Will Track Your Bathroom Visits," 12 Sep. 2019 Because the two icons are not merely dispensing advice. — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "Jeff Probst explains how Survivor: Island of the Idols works," 10 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dispense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Learn More about dispense

Dictionary Entries near dispense

dispensing power

Statistics for dispense

Last Updated

27 Oct 2019

Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dispense. Accessed 21 November 2019.

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More Definitions for dispense

dispense

verb

English Language Learners Definition of dispense

: to give or provide (something)

: to prepare and give (medicine)

See the full definition for dispense in the English Language Learners Dictionary

dispense

dis·pense | \ di-ˈspens

\

dispensed; dispensing

Kids Definition of dispense

1 : to give out in small amounts The machine dispenses candy.

2 : to give out as deserved The judge dispensed justice.

3 : to put up or prepare medicine in a form ready for use

dispense with

: to do or get along without Let's dispense with introductions.

dispense

transitive verb

dis·pense | \ dis-ˈpen(t)s

\

dispensed; dispensing

Medical Definition of dispense

1 : to put up (a prescription or medicine)

2 : to prepare and distribute (medication)

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