dole out

verb

doled out; doling out; doles out

transitive verb

1

: to give or deliver in small portions

2

: dish out

Synonyms of dole out

• distribute
• dispense
• provide
• deal (out)
• hand out
• allocate
• divide

Choose the Right Synonym for dole out

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 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

By combining the visual splendor and thrills of the cinema with a more extensive, intimate view into the character’s daily life previously only seen in the novels, the new video game version of 007 provides more of everything, and may not be fully reliant on periodic installments to dole out bliss. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026

Since 2015, the program has doled out funds to nonprofits that are considered high-risk targets for violence and hate crimes due to their ideology, beliefs or mission. —Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 28 May 2026

The younger Hooper has been a rising TikTok star for his short videos doling out life advice based on his own experiences and insights. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026

In March, the Healey administration doled out $10 million in grants for fan celebrations and community watch parties throughout the state, including in Easthampton, Everett, Greenfield, Worcester, Lowell, Burlington, Lexington and Weymouth. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 27 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1749, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dole out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout