allocate

verb

ˈa-lə-ˌkāt How to pronounce allocate (audio)
Definition of allocatenext
1
as in to allot
to give as a share or portion not enough computers to allocate one to every student

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to distribute
to give out (something) to appropriate individuals allocated the housework in such a way that the older kids got more than the younger ones

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to dedicate
to keep or intend for a special purpose sliced the strawberries after first allocating all the nicest ones for the top of the cake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of allocate Records show more than $20 million in contracts — over half committed after the audit was published — have been allocated to CPS HR Consulting, a human resources consulting firm, now led by Katie Hagen, DIR’s former director. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The Interior Department allocated roughly $68 million to Freedom 250 LLC – set up as an arm of the National Park Foundation – to prepare the nation’s capital for the celebrations. — Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Aug. 2026 The ship was also transporting 155 ingots of gold bullion valued at up to £2 million, allocated to the Bank of India as part of an effort to stabilize the rupee. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Aug. 2026 Those funds are allocated once a person has been approved through the state’s priority list. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for allocate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for allocate
  1. allot
  2. distribute
  3. dedicate
  4. assign
  5. dispense
  6. devote
  7. provide
  8. save
Verb
  • For example, the original plan by the department’s consultant assumed that the park would have access to a sewer main and allotted about $76,000 for a routine sewer connection.
    — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The first is the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Acquisition Prize, which will allot $20,000 at each edition of the Armory Show toward acquisitions for the museum’s permanent collection and for the Green Family Foundation Caribbean Cultural Institute.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of allot
Verb
  • The publisher will also distribute the audiobook to 100,000 teachers affiliated with Book Clubs in collaboration with Audible and Pottermore.
    — K.J. Yossman, Variety, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Among the additional counts against Andrew are allegations of making or distributing indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of distribute
Verb
  • In the months leading up to the eclipse Charles had dedicated precious down time to prepare his team and test new software for the solar telescopes.
    — Anthony Wood, Space.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Indie film stalwart Neil LaBute is set to receive a career honor at the Oldenburg International Film Festival, which will dedicate a retrospective to the American filmmaker and playwright and host the world premiere of his latest film, Murderous.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of dedicate
Verb
  • Some artists who do Bowl shows with the LA Phil or its sister symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, run through something close to their normal set and require whoever is assigned to do the orchestrations to follow suit.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Care coordinators – health professionals who help patients navigate the medical system – are often assigned to people diagnosed with cancer or other serious health issues, but they’re rarely made available to postpartum mothers, Griffen said.
    — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of assign
Verb
  • Inside its Equipment Innovation Center in Atlanta, a massive television screen displays real-time data showing what drinks dispensed by the Freestyle are trending, what time of day and where — from the region to the type of business.
    — Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Those sales were hit by federal legislation that requires pharmacies to dispense some high-cost Medicare drugs at capped prices, the retailer said.
    — Anne D'Innocenzio, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of dispense
Verb
  • In all, the star would devote a baker’s dozen of tunes on the 32-song setlist to this upbeat tropical music gem, which incorporates reggaeton, Latin pop, cumbia, salsa, vallenato and more.
    — Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Advisors can use technology to automate routine work, reinforce discipline and enhance consistency while devoting more time to relationships, decision making and portfolio construction.
    — Alex Shahidi, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of devote
Verb
  • The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore are seeking to pause an order requiring it to provide records in lawsuit with Inspector General while the city appeals.
    — Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The explosions provide different interruptions, punctuating the moment as one of Keeley’s ideas plays out in real time.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of provide
Verb
  • Ask a clarifying question, keep your response simple, and save the deeper processing for a space that actually feels safe.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Tiafoe saved three championship points in the final game before Fils closed out the victory.
    — Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of save

Browse Nearby Words

all-night
allocate
allocated
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Cite this Entry

“Allocate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/allocate. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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