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 Of course, the real issue isn’t advice itself, but rather the wisdom of whomever dispenses it—and finding them in the first place is harder to admitting someone else’s opinion just may be savvier than your own. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 3 Mar. 2026 Ultimately, many of these books’ characters are portrayed as avatars of resentment and disaffection, men who seem to fall prey to the rigid vision of masculinity dispensed by real-life adherents to the manosphere. Eric Magnuson, The Atlantic, 2 Mar. 2026 The automatic paper towel dispenser was only dispensing two inches of paper towel at a time. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026 Essentially, the software allows criminals to dispense cash from ATMs with no bank card, customer account, or bank authorization, the FBI said. Saleen Martin, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • Some of the bikes are used in Metro’s Adopt A Bike Grant Program, which distributes them to those in need.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Burton notes that the foundation also distributes snack packs and other practical resources that address everyday needs students may encounter during the school day.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • As people come in, the money goes back into neighborhoods as police and firemen, snowplows and road crews — the infrastructure and services residents expect government to provide.
    Mark Dee March 6, Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Now, Beaudet and her colleagues have digitally rearranged the facial bones to their rightful places, providing a clearer look at Little Foot’s face — and hinting at features that may be shared across the human family tree.
    Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The statutory framework is a provincial one, administered by a provincial ministry, with costs borne by individual property owners.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Minnesota lawmakers are looking at more anti-fraud measures this week, including updating decades-old county technology used to administer Medicaid and SNAP benefits.
    Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The safe and consistent 60/40 portfolio, which allocates 60% toward stocks and 40% in bonds, is putting on a lackluster performance this year, the bank wrote in a Wednesday note.
    Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The House has allocated $108 million for the Ryan White ADAP program for next year.
    Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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