distributive
adjective
dis·trib·u·tive
di-ˈstri-byü-tiv 
-byə-
-byə-
1
: of or relating to distribution: such as
a
: dealing a proper share to each of a group
b
: diffusing more or less evenly
2
of a word
: referring singly and without exception to the members of a group
each, either, and none are distributive
3
a
: being an operation (such as multiplication in a(b + c) = ab + ac) that produces the same result when operating on the whole mathematical expression as when operating on each part and collecting the results
b
: being or relating to a rule or property concerning a distributive operation
the distributive property of multiplication with respect to addition
distributively
adverb
Examples of distributive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As such, the limited partners’ distributive share did not qualify for the SECA exclusion.
—
Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This collaborative approach, centered on creating integrative value rather than purely distributive wins, helps preserve and strengthen the long-term relationship.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
In a distributive negotiation, an employer makes a lowball offer.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
The strength of these relationships is moderated by existing perceptions of procedural and distributive justice.
—Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distributive
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Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
This collaborative approach, centered on creating integrative value rather than purely distributive wins, helps preserve and strengthen the long-term relationship.
—Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
In a distributive negotiation, an employer makes a lowball offer.
—Lieke Ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
The strength of these relationships is moderated by existing perceptions of procedural and distributive justice.
—Jonathan H. Westover, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for distributive
Cite this Entry
“Distributive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/distributive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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distributive
adjective
dis·trib·u·tive
dis-ˈtrib-yət-iv
1
: of or relating to distribution : serving to distribute
2
: of, having, or being the property of giving the same mathematical result when an operation is carried out on a whole expression and when it is carried out on each part of an expression with the results then collected together
the distributive property of multiplication means a(b + c) = ab + ac
distributively
adverb
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