Synonyms of administer

administer

verb

əd-ˈmi-nə-stər 

1

as in to distribute

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals

the principal administers discipline fairly when students break the rules

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distribute
• dispense
• provide
• allocate
• divide
• assign
• supply
• apportion
• portion
• furnish
• donate
• deal (out)
• prorate
• parcel (out)
• dole out
• hand out
• contribute
• share
• disburse
• allot
• mete (out)
• redistribute
• disseminate
• appropriate
• split
• measure (out)
• circulate
• allow
• spread
• bestow
• proportion
• ration
• share (out)
• lot
• issue
• disperse
• set
• part
• pledge
• dish out
• scatter
• reapportion
• admeasure
• reallocate
• divvy (up)
• chip in
• dollop (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• deny
• withhold
• reject
• disallow
• deprive (of)
• decline
• begrudge
• misallocate
• stint
• pinch
• skimp
• niggle (out)

2

as in to enforce

to carry out effectively

local officials should see that the fair housing laws are rigorously administered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• enforce
• implement
• execute
• apply
• enact
• fulfill
• render
• invoke
• effectuate
• effect
• bring about
• prosecute
• cite
• honor
• legislate
• observe
• promulgate
• uphold
• discharge

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ignore
• disregard
• neglect

3

as in to manage

to look after and make decisions about

the lieutenant governor administers the affairs of the state in the absence of the governor

Synonyms & Similar Words

• manage
• supervise
• oversee
• operate
• regulate
• handle
• conduct
• control
• govern
• run
• administrate
• keep
• direct
• tend
• guide
• protect
• carry on
• superintend
• preside (over)
• steward
• overlook
• watch over
• steer
• lead
• watch
• safeguard
• pilot
• care (for)
• guard
• mind
• micromanage
• stage-manage
• codirect
• comanage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of administer

Police administered life-saving measures until medical crews responded. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 14 Sep. 2026

James was given the green light to return to training after a stress test administered a couple of months later showed no signs of the condition. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

The health agency added that although there is currently no shortage of the rabies vaccine, clinicians should ensure doses of the post-exposure treatment are administered properly to avoid high costs and potential adverse effects. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2026

In a new health advisory, the CDC urged doctors to be on the lookout for possible exposures and to administer vaccines and treatments as needed. — Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing administer

• administer (to)