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

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
Without much new information to go on, the market has traded in recent months on the potential prospects for a peace deal. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026 While the percent of consumers using AI to find deals and gift ideas is similar to last year, the frequency of usage by individuals is expected to go up slightly. — David Moin, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
But after four innings of dealing from Daniel Lynch IV, the Tigers got all of it back in the fifth inning. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026 In addition to these moves, Charlotte also dealt guard LaMelo Ball to Minnesota for Naz Ried and Miles Bridges to Phoenix for Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale. — Staff Reports, Charlotte Observer, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deal
Noun
  • Environmental groups estimate now, without stricter standards, cars could produce 22,111 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than under the Biden-era rules in 2035.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Greeting the audience at the entrance is Rilke’s poem, printed on a transparent panel; visible just beyond is Goldin+Senneby’s large-scale, amber Resin Pond (2006), made with two tons of pine tree resin spilling across the gallery.
    — Vivienne Chow, ARTnews.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The meeting came after the two countries announced an agreement last month to give the United States a stake in Venezuela's vast oil reserves.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • StandardX has already signed agreements with leading fusion developers to manufacture tritium to support their missions in bringing fusion power to the grid.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Days later, facing the credible threat of losing a third consecutive star on the eve of ticket sales opening, Boston moved, agreeing to a record $331 million deal.
    — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Home goods seller Ryan Zhao, director of Jiangsu Green Willow Textile, expects sales in the second half of the year to grow by 30% from a year ago if tariff cuts are implemented.
    — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • During his tenure, REP1 negotiated billions in player contracts and completed a successful sale of the firm.
    — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Nscale has just won a huge contract to supply computing capacity to Anthropic worth $45 billion over six years.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The relationship with the older woman ended after it was discovered, but the only person punished for it was the ethics officer who first reported the situation; he was caught up in accusations and counteraccusations for years.
    — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Leaving an abusive situation is already incredibly difficult.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The cost crunch prompted Prentice and his wife to seek out bargains on groceries.
    — Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • However, American officials have complained that China has not upheld its end of the bargain.
    — Jennifer Pak, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The former traded around the levels not seen since 2007, while the latter hovered near 2004 highs.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Gradually, the notion of trading PowerPoint slides and Excel spreadsheets for something more elemental became intoxicating.
    — Peter Hahn, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rival Kalshi in April became the first exchange to complete a block trade, which are large transactions negotiated privately to avoid price volatility that are typical on Wall Street.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
  • During his tenure, REP1 negotiated billions in player contracts and completed a successful sale of the firm.
    — Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deal. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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