dispose

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 The man accused of killing two University of South Florida doctoral students allegedly asked ChatGPT about disposing of a body three days before the victims were last seen alive, according to court filings. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026 People in this area are urged to properly dispose of cigarette butts, matches, and any other flammable items in appropriate containers. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026 That includes clearing dead or dying vegetation within 100 feet of all structures, landscaping with fire-resistant plans and non-flammable ground cover, and disposing of landscaping debris in other ways. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026 Consider gifting your old kitchen items to a friend or disposing of them safely. Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
Verb
  • The Conservatory situates this story in forms of care—care for plants, for patients, for each other.
    Emilie Hardman, JSTOR Daily, 6 May 2026
  • Hire a pest control company if the carpenter bee infestation is large (more than a dozen holes) or situated in an overhead, hard-to-reach area.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • Such systems as the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 series, classified as one-way attack (OWA) UAVs, have been exported extensively to proxy groups and state allies.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 May 2026
  • Rising costs already limit access to higher education for many, and recent federal policies incorrectly classifying nursing as a nonprofessional degree will only further restrict access to financing for nursing school applicants.
    Nicholas A. Giordano, STAT, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • If a drug retails for $100 and a hospital can buy it for $60, then charges the patient or their insurance the full $100 price, the hospital then has $40 to put toward other expenses.
    Dené K. Dryden, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
  • Neto expanded and was able to put a ball into right field.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • Others kick things up by arranging private beach bonfires in the evening, catamaran outings by day, surf lessons with Engstrom Surf, and even customized tarot card readings.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026
  • If the Leafs take Stenberg, and the Sharks want a defenseman and are confident that the Vancouver Canucks will select McKenna, maybe the two Pacific Division teams can arrange a trade.
    Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The documents go on to say that after Dukes was arrested and placed into a Chicago youth facility at 15 years old, he was signed to Warner Records.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Earlier in the day, Charles delivered a rare address to a joint session of Congress, highlighting the second day of his four-day state visit and placing the spotlight on the strained but enduring relationship between his country and the United States.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Wilson met his particular mawmaws through a support group organized by West Virginia State University.
    Casey Cep, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
  • The club was organized, assertive and dangerous in possession.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • The two sites are located near the Strait of Hormuz.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 8 May 2026
  • Debris from the rock will be analyzed by Curiosity’s Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin) instrument and compared with samples taken at another site, Mineral King, located nearly 525 feet below the rover’s current location.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • On Friday, Mayor Mamdani ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • Governor Ron DeSantis ordered nearly $30 million in investments for Biscayne Bay preservation in December.
    Larry Seward, CBS News, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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