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

McCaffrey, afterward, made sure to dole out compliments in support of Purdy’s poise. —Cam Inman, Mercury News, 25 Nov. 2025

Still, the compelling story doled out through occasional cut scenes is a fascinating one for those interested in new additions to Kirby lore, with backstories for the Machines and their link to the series God-like presence, Galactic Nova. —Ryan Gaur, Rolling Stone, 19 Nov. 2025

There were 35 penalty minutes doled out with seven penalties in the third, including a double-minor and game misconduct for Horvat, who moved into a tie for second in the NHL in goals. —CBS News, 19 Nov. 2025

Disney also doles out live TV through both traditional broadcasting and its own lineup of streaming platforms. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2025

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