Definition of disposenext

Synonym Chooser

How is the word dispose different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of dispose are bias, incline, and predispose. While all these words mean "to influence one to have or take an attitude toward something," dispose suggests an affecting of one's mood or temper so as to incline one toward something.

her nature disposes her to trust others

When might bias be a better fit than dispose?

The synonyms bias and dispose are sometimes interchangeable, but bias suggests a settled and predictable leaning in one direction and connotes unfair prejudice.

the experience biased him against foreigners

When can incline be used instead of dispose?

The words incline and dispose are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, incline implies a tendency to favor one of two or more actions or conclusions.

I incline to agree

Where would predispose be a reasonable alternative to dispose?

Although the words predispose and dispose have much in common, predispose implies the operation of a disposing influence well in advance of the opportunity to manifest itself.

does fictional violence predispose them to accept real violence?

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 dispose Relying Too Much On Garbage Disposals Though the name may be deceiving, garbage disposals aren’t actually designed to dispose of all garbage. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 To dispose of medications, use a drug take-back program or follow specific FDA guidelines for drug disposal. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 27 June 2026 Court documents report she was killed by her stepmother, Connie Graham, who then used one of her sons to dispose of the body, while another son burned the evidence, including a bed, clothing and flooring. Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Most fans had taken care of their trash throughout the match, either putting it in the blue bag or already having disposed of it. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
Verb
  • The primary bedroom is generously sized and situated above the co-op’s courtyard.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Enter Evermore Resort in Orlando, Florida, a 1,100-acre resort situated around a crystal-clear, manmade lagoon with 20 acres of white-sand beaches.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The department does not classify its calls by snake type, the spokesperson said.
    Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The petition sought to classify data centers as industrial nuisances, arguing that a ban would protect residents’ property and preserve city resources, such as water and electricity.
    Cuyler Dunn, Kansas City Star, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Have the Bills actually put enough around Josh Allen to win the AFC?
    Austin Mock, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The ratios offer a little more room for expenses by putting a little less toward savings than the longstanding gold standard, the 50/30/20 budget.
    Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Twelve years later, England arranged themselves in a V-shape which outflanked the haka, their fly-half Owen Farrell appearing to wink at the All Blacks’ display — and made it through to the World Cup final with a 19-7 triumph.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Within the five-story building, art is displayed across 35 galleries arranged by such themes as family, love, fantasy, work, play, community, childhood, adventure, and sports.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As Pourrain recalls, he was placed inside an unmarked van, with his hands and ankles handcuffed.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Two of the players, Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright, have been participating in team activities, but were not placed on the roster in advance of last Saturday's 51-10 season-opening victory over Clemson.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The answer is to not passively accept what is given but to organize to make our voices heard.
    Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
  • But rather than invent a market, ride hailing companies only help to organize the existing pools of drivers — with the right incentives — and connect them to willing but price-sensitive passengers.
    Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Metcalf believes there is another civilization, a secret one, located underneath the ice of Antarctica.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Police told the station that the gunfire may be connected to an argument that occurred at Lavou Lounge, a bar located near the Sam's Club.
    Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this year, Johnson ordered Chicago police to collect evidence for possible felony charges against agents.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Dialogue comes from recordings with native speakers, and lessons focus on real-world scenarios like ordering food or navigating an airport instead of vocabulary drills.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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