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 Instead of ink or plastic, the printer would dispense a mix of hydrogel and coral larvae, placed at just the right distance to give each the necessary space to grow. Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 Villa have signed and quickly dispensed with many players. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025 But a second couple, Sally (Zoë Chao) and Rory (Jamie Demetriou), while amusing presences, seem to exist solely to dispense quips and occupy seats at the table. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2025 Mary dispensed praise prudently, but with a certain twinkly delight, as if pressing a toffee into your palm. Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • Fill a seed spreader with seed and use it to distribute seed evenly over your grass.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Amid enthusiasm for the decriminalization, Anutin himself announced in that same year his intention to distribute one million low-THC medical cannabis plants to households across the country.
    Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The triangular lights have a solar panel on the long, top side that generates power throughout the day to provide up to eight hours of lighting overnight.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos (following his return from Strasbourg on loan) provide more options in midfield.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • 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, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The fee will be administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has not detailed how travelers will request refunds, how long the process will take, or how disputes will be resolved.
    Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Foreign-aid organizations challenged the administration's ability to refuse to spend funds already allocated by Congress.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The grants were allocated under President Joe Biden's signature Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an anti-gun violence law signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispense

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!