as in distributing
to give out (something) to appropriate individuals
a conscientious pharmacist never dispenses pills to people without assurances that they understand the instructions
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Recent Examples of dispensing
But the idea of parachuting into a writers’ room, dispensing high-level feedback, then moving on to the next?
—
Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Almost every Republican senator signed a letter demanding the FDA reconsider its approval and reinstate in-person dispensing requirements.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
In-use food dispensing utensils not properly stored (falafel scooper stored in container of water on counter).
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
In normal times, the agency acts like a loving but diligent parent, dispensing money at regular intervals to insure the kids don’t spend it all at once.
—Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
These sites cut against the stereotypical image of a critic as an expert dispensing a thumbs-up or thumbs-down like a Roman emperor.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
The paper towels dispenser for the handwashing sink was barely dispensing paper towels.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
After Foran tossed a coin, Shah chose to argue for keeping the Constitution, Saverino for dispensing it.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
The Arf Pets Memory Training Puzzle Toy is a treat-dispensing activity trainer for pets.
—Christine Persaud, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Judy Berman, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Almost every Republican senator signed a letter demanding the FDA reconsider its approval and reinstate in-person dispensing requirements.
—Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2025
In-use food dispensing utensils not properly stored (falafel scooper stored in container of water on counter).
—Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
In normal times, the agency acts like a loving but diligent parent, dispensing money at regular intervals to insure the kids don’t spend it all at once.
—Andy Kroll, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
These sites cut against the stereotypical image of a critic as an expert dispensing a thumbs-up or thumbs-down like a Roman emperor.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
The paper towels dispenser for the handwashing sink was barely dispensing paper towels.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
After Foran tossed a coin, Shah chose to argue for keeping the Constitution, Saverino for dispensing it.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
The Arf Pets Memory Training Puzzle Toy is a treat-dispensing activity trainer for pets.
—Christine Persaud, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispensing
Verb
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Her nonprofit, the Health Freedom Defense Fund, is now distributing model legislation and a how-to guide, with talking points to persuade legislators.—
Audrey Dutton,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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Zegna ventured into new territory by producing and distributing all of Ford’s men’s and women’s fashion and accessories.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Other companies, such as BlackSky and Maxar, are providing their own electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imagery—that is, images in the visible and infrared light spectrums—commercially.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
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Robb Report has the exclusive on the launch, providing American buyers first access to one of South America’s most ambitious luxury residential projects.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, will be halted if federal funding is not restored by next month, warned Florida’s Department of Children and Families, the state agency responsible for administering SNAP.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
24 Oct. 2025
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These strategies include administering birth control and gathering the animals into captivity and placing them up for sale or adoption.—
John Leos,
AZCentral.com,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Britain has been a European ally of Ukraine, helping to train forces and supplying the country with weapons and support.—
Simon Perry,
PEOPLE,
24 Oct. 2025
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The 42-seat cinema has largely hosted private screenings for family members, with studios supplying major releases, but presidents have also hosted higher profile, publicized screenings with guests from the entertainment industry.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispensing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispensing. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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