deal 1 of 3

Definition of dealnext

deal

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
2
3
4
as in situation
position with regard to conditions and circumstances we don't yet know what the deal is with the new manager

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
as in bargain
something bought or offered for sale at a desirable price that mail-order sweater isn't such a great deal after you factor in the cost of shipping and handling

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

deal

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deal are dispense, distribute, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When could dispense be used to replace deal?

In some situations, the words dispense and deal are roughly equivalent. However, 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

When is distribute a more appropriate choice than deal?

Although the words distribute and deal have much in common, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can divide be used instead of deal?

The words divide and deal are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is it sensible to use dole out instead of deal?

The synonyms dole out and deal are sometimes interchangeable, but dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

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 deal
Noun
By the way, Flagg is the ultimate sweetener in this deal. Kevin Sherrington feb. 18, Dallas Morning News, 18 Feb. 2026 Over the weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had called on the WNBA and the union to increase their urgency to get a labor deal done in time for the new season to begin on schedule in early May. Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
Cardrooms have continued to offer blackjack and other banked games such as baccarat by giving players the option to take turns dealing the game and by relying on third-party businesses that employ people to act as bankers. Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026 Get two masks for just $16 right now with this Amazon deal online. Tim Chan, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Verb
  • European markets traded higher on Monday, as investors digest the key points from this year's Munich Security Conference.
    Hugh Leask, CNBC, 16 Feb. 2026
  • This McGill and Chinese University of Hong Kong grad also has bylines in Architectural Digest, Men's Journal, Town & Country, and Observer—occasionally trading his keyboard for time in front of cameras for brand campaigns or keeping conversations flowing as a panel moderator.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Jackson also helped negotiate the release of hostages in Iraq and Cuba, and the two welcomed some of them home at the airport.
    Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026
  • But the university, like so many others – Penn State and James Franklin (owed $49 million; negotiated down after he was hired by Virginia Tech), LSU and Brian Kelly (owed $54 million); Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M (owed $76 million) – tied itself to a bad deal and now doesn’t want to pay.
    Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
    USA Today staff, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Jack Huston plays Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur, who is betrayed to the Romans by his adopted brother, Messala (Toby Kebbell), and sold into slavery and then returns years to Jerusalem seeking revenge.
    David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This was partly out of deference to a president who thinks not of enemies but only of potential counterparties to be bargained with, bullied, swindled, or accommodated.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 17 Feb. 2026
  • The move comes one month before the WGA is due to sit down with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to begin bargaining a new contract for Hollywood TV and film writers.
    Gene Maddaus, Variety, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.

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