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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 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
-
The Capital Area Food Bank has been distributing food to federal workers affected by the shutdown.—
The NPR Network,
NPR,
30 Oct. 2025
-
Franklin nonprofit OneGenAway will be hosting drive-thru food pickups throughout November, distributing both shelf-stable foods and fresh produce.—
Vivian Jones,
Nashville Tennessean,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
The batteries supplying the power for the Longbows are unknown.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The 650,000 barrel-a-day Dangote Refinery in Lagos is Nigeria’s largest and sole private refinery, supplying 20 million liters of petrol to the country daily.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dispensing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispensing. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share