deal 1 of 3

as in ton
a considerable amount there is a great deal of waste in government

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
The recent distribution deals between TF1 and Netflix, and between France Télévisions and Amazon Prime Video, are good news for both cinema and series. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 If a subsidy deal is reached, insurers could lower the premiums. ABC News, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
The heist deals a huge blow to one of the most popular museums in the world, which houses valuable works like Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and has drawn some 9 million visitors in recent years. NPR, 20 Oct. 2025 The ceasefire deal also includes the ramping up of aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were determined in August to be affected by famine, according to the IPC global hunger monitor. Alexander Cornwell, USA Today, 20 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Verb
  • In the scene, Panahi trades grisly interrogation stories with the activist and fellow former political prisoner Nasrin Sotoudeh.
    Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Dončić was traded to LA midway through last season in a blockbuster move.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Tatiana’s settlement with Carlos Pino and his family — negotiated through mediation led by Miami attorney Bruce Greer — followed another important step for her.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Loan spells for Alan Montes and Santiago Muñoz have concluded and Sporting KC will continue to negotiate with Schewe and Muñoz.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When Salah was left out away at Galatasaray last month, Slot could sell it as keeping him fresh given the trip to Turkey fell between tricky Premier League games against Crystal Palace and Chelsea.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
  • What will happen to Spirit Halloween if Towne Mall is sold?
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Antitrust law applies, because the rules are not collectively bargained with a union, and the NCAA—including its member institutions—enjoys monopoly control over the labor market.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025
  • What were the musicians bargaining for?
    Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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