Definition of dispensenext

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 Floats are fountain drinks dispensed over soft serve. Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026 The ad-sales milestone comes after NBC has dispensed with all the ad time tied to its looming February broadcast of Super Bowl LX as well as the NBA All-Star Game. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026 Narcan vending machines dispense the overdose reversal medication for free at a half-dozen CTA stops across Chicago. Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026 According to the indictment, the group used specialized malware to compromise ATMs and force them to dispense cash on command. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • However, just two years later, Forté was arrested at Newark International Airport with liquid cocaine and charged with possession and intent to distribute.
    Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Consumers quickly turned to social media and OPS for answers after learning that diesel fuel was mixed with regular unleaded gasoline and distributed to gas stations operated by Costco, Murphy Express and King Soopers.
    Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The vast majority of these deaths are caused by illicit fentanyl which experts report is typically synthesized in Mexico from precursor chemicals provided by Chinese operatives and brought into the United States via vehicles passing through official ports of entry.
    Charles LeBaron, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • From 2018 to July 2024, Thola-Duran directed crime groups from Central and South America to travel to various parts of the United States to commit thefts, using cars provided by DPR, the indictment filed in Los Angeles federal court states.
    City News Service, Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • When sovereignty is confiscated and freedom administered from the outside, when the terms of liberation are dictated, the result is not a democratic transition but a protectorate dressed up in the language of damage control.
    Boris Muñoz, Time, 12 Jan. 2026
  • And Cargill’s wealth is so tied up in the gun shop that his personal bankruptcy proceedings are being administered concurrently with those of the business.
    Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • One of the provisions of Measure C is to allocate revenue from the hotel tax boost in varying percentages, depending on the use.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
  • The bond measure would allocate $7 billion toward the state’s Multifamily Housing Program, which issues low-interest loans to build and maintain permanent and transitional rental housing for lower-income households.
    CalMatters, Oc Register, 14 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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