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 dole out in a Sentence
she doles out office supplies as if she were paying for them out of her own pocket
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Historically, these visas — 85,000 per year — have been doled out through a lottery system.—Barbara Ortutay, Twin Cities, 19 Sep. 2025 Philanthropy is important to the company, which annually doles out millions of dollars in scholarships to its team members, grants via its charities, food donations and more.—George A. Paul, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 Consider the absurdity of carving a single oozing arancini into three or four pieces, doling out two measly salad leaves each to a foursome, or hacking a pristine fish fillet into chum for five.—Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025 The pop-up will include fun and immersive elements such as a gumball machine doling out prizes.—Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dole out
Share