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 Then hit the autofill button, and the nozzle lowers down to just over the rim of the glass and starts dispensing. Pcmag Staff, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025 From interactive games to snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys, there are plenty of puzzles out there on the market. Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 The athlete, who battled addiction to painkillers, earned the titular nickname due to his ability to quickly and easily dispense with his opponents. Eric Andersson, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025 More water is then dispensed in small pulses for an even better extraction before switching to a continuous flow to finish the job. Mark Marino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • A number of rare and valuable Pokémon are unfortunately shiny locked, and typically the only way to obtain shiny versions of these Pokémon is to wait for a future game, or hope that developer Game Freak distributes them as a gift.
    Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Their recommendations often determine if insurance companies cover the vaccine free of charge for a patient and if pharmacies readily distribute them.
    Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • That game, however, is unavailable for buyers of season-ticket packages according to emails and screenshots provided to SportsMoney by multiple season ticket holders.
    Andrew Wagner, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The violation is the eleventh recorded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, according to Defense Ministry figures provided to ABC News.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • These financial penalties and long-term reputational stains are far greater than the cost to administer and maintain a strong inclusion program.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • The project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.
    Alyssa N. Salcedo, jsonline.com, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Funding the high-speed rail project On the final day of sessions, legislators agreed to allocate $1 billion each year from the state’s cap-and-trade program to fund the high-speed rail project.
    Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Budd also does not know how the state would allocate resources among local governments.
    Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispense

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