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 Authorities often dispensed empty promises that projects would be replaced with better structures, ones less vulnerable to crime, damp and black mold, and not flawed by the kind of dangerous cost-cutting construction that led to London’s Grenfell Tower burning down in 2017, killing 72 people. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 The former would dramatically reduce the King’s ability to dispense patronage. Danielle Allen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026 The state asserted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had insufficient evidence to remove the requirement that the drug be dispensed in person, which had been in place from 2000 through 2021. Naomi Cahn, The Conversation, 15 May 2026 The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals responded a few days later by ruling the FDA erred by relaxing its regulations to allow for dispensing the pills by mail. Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispense
Verb
  • Whether stolen, borrowed, or bought, public trash cans from various cities—New York, Berlin, Rome, and Bolzano—are sparsely distributed across the hall.
    Erika Landström, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • They’re distributed between the central Sculpture building and six standalone two- and three-bedroom casitas.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Plans are underway to provide wetsuits to the men and the rescue divers taught the group how to use the specialized equipment.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • The policies proposed by the candidates range from eliminating key environmental laws to providing free childcare and college tuition.
    Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Noina uses her elbows, knees and feet to administer a satisfyingly joint-loosening Thai massage.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • And while not every improper payment reflects criminal misconduct, the magnitude of questionable spending points to deep structural weaknesses in how the program is administered.
    Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026
Verb
  • These features help give you an idea of your most up-to-date financial status without spending much time manually logging information or allocating every dollar.
    Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 June 2026
  • Jackson’s office argues regulators should take a closer look at how those costs are allocated and whether Duke’s projections for future demand are realistic.
    Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispense. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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