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 that doesn’t negate what is already happening in other parts of the economy, where the Administration is intervening willy-nilly, dispensing money and favors, and expanding its reach at a pace that’s hard to keep up with.
—
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
The restaurant’s health permit wasn’t posted, many food items were without labels and dates and the dishwasher wasn’t dispensing sanitizer.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025
The dishwasher was not dispensing sanitizer.
—Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
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
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
After Foran tossed a coin, Shah chose to argue for keeping the Constitution, Saverino for dispensing it.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
John Cassidy, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
The restaurant’s health permit wasn’t posted, many food items were without labels and dates and the dishwasher wasn’t dispensing sanitizer.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Nov. 2025
The dishwasher was not dispensing sanitizer.
—Sacbee.com, 31 Oct. 2025
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
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
After Foran tossed a coin, Shah chose to argue for keeping the Constitution, Saverino for dispensing it.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispensing
Verb
-
Lionsgate is distributing the movie domestically, while Universal handles the global launch.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The Capital Area Food Bank has been distributing food to federal workers affected by the shutdown.—
The NPR Network,
NPR,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Foraging for black walnuts is a long-standing tradition in the Ozarks, providing extra cash for harvesters and connecting people with the outdoors.—
Randy Moll,
Arkansas Online,
11 Nov. 2025
-
The United States supported the anti-communist massacres, providing lists of senior communist party officials, equipment and money to the Indonesian army, according to official documents that were declassified in 2017.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
As referee Dan Engler was administering a 10-count, an enraged Drew McIntyre suddenly stormed the ring.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
While the speaker has the responsibility for administering the oath, the House may adopt a resolution to designate a judge or House member selected by the speaker to do the job for him.—
Jennifer Selin,
The Conversation,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Companies used the standpipe to bring water to the Rio Verde Foothills housing development after Scottsdale stopped supplying that community with water for several months in 2023.—
Austin Corona,
AZCentral.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Reservoirs supplying Tehran and other urban centers have dropped to critically low levels, while agricultural production in the nation’s most fertile regions is collapsing, threatening food security and rural livelihoods.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispensing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispensing. Accessed 16 Nov. 2025.
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