Synonym Chooser

How does the verb dispense differ from other similar words?

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

Where would deal be a reasonable alternative to dispense?

While the synonyms deal and dispense are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

When can distribute be used instead of dispense?

In some situations, the words distribute and dispense are roughly equivalent. However, distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When would divide be a good substitute for dispense?

The words divide and dispense can be used in similar contexts, but divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When is dole out a more appropriate choice than dispense?

The words dole out and dispense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 dispense For this event, Love Island has dispensed with the innuendos and just gone for a straightforward kink theme. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 18 June 2025 Gi-hun’s Kill Count Plenty of players are content to dispense with societal decorum and start fully murdering each other in the Games — but not Gi-hun. Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 18 June 2025 Now, Israel may be happy to dispense with its Patriots without acknowledgment. Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025 Miss Manners would prefer that any such label be dispensed with altogether. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • The organization is entirely volunteer and has distributed more than 5,000 Narcan kits, according to its website.
    Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025
  • It will be distributed inside Gate A, the Royals said.
    Pete Grathoff July 8, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • Others will be looking to you for guidance this month, and your ability to provide stability will set the tone for what’s to come.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • Speaking of recruitment, Paulson believes a realigned schedule would also provide a boost, allowing MLS clubs could be more competitive in the global summer transfer window.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • The national rollout will replicate the local model, with auditions and performances administered through public school districts and education foundations.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 July 2025
  • The audit also found DCEO failed to administer a program to prepare people prior to their release from from Illinois prisons for work in the clean energy arena.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • The legislation has to pass by July 18, or the funding will remain as allocated.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The third would appropriate relief and recovery funding to assist Hill Country flood victims, including allocating local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.
    Bethany Blankley, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispense

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