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

Medical personnel responded to the scene and administered life-saving measures. — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

In the meantime, the Houthis have been consolidating their gains on Yemen’s coast, Basha said, setting up checkpoints and bringing loyalists to administer the regions now under their control. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction, Office of Construction, District 3 in New Haven. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

But for more than two months, the home administered the drug to him, even increasing its dosage, a report said. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing administer

• administer (to)