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
  • Banner Elk is situated in a valley surrounded by Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain, which have mile-high peaks.
    Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026
  • These moments reveal the genius of Jay-Z, whose life story is coded directly into the songs booming through the two speakers situated across from them.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • All ambulance responses in the spreadsheet were classified as Priority 1.
    Brian Maass, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Two students who had been visiting the palace, Eduardo Matson Ospino and Yolanda Ernestina Santodomingo, were allegedly classified as especiales, taken to a military facility, blindfolded, interrogated, tortured and threatened with execution.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Holmes also committed a throwing error in the sixth on a pickoff move in an overall disastrous three-run inning that put the Reds ahead for good.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Hurricanes’ offense kept on chugging early in the second quarter, and Mensah found a wide-open Elija Lofton for a 21-yard score to put UM back in the lead.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • AmaWaterways arranges pre- and post-cruise stays of several nights in both cities with luxury accommodations, cultural exploration led by local experts, and transfers between hotel and ship.
    Condé Nast Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
  • For this development, the team worked with two-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites, arranging alternating organic and inorganic layers into precise crystalline structures.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Our criminal system deliberately places the burden on the government and tolerates the possibility that guilty people will go free rather than lower the standard required to convict.
    Monu Bedi, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • One defense attorney, however, noted that the high-profile case in Miami federal court was recently placed under seal, an indication that new charges or defendants had been added.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Dostoyevsky’s sniveling devil comes closest to portraying the man chiefly responsible for organizing the Final Solution.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Discover a few of our favorites from the sale, organized by category—skincare, hair, tools, makeup, fragrance, and body.
    Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Foundations for Nations is located amid a patchwork of federal, tribal and private property — the legacy of 19th century federal policies designed to eliminate tribes by breaking up collective land bases.
    Savannah Peters, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • The verdict Superbly located between historic and modern Istanbul, The Ritz-Carlton delivers polished service without pretension.
    Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Frimpong also ordered the government to thoroughly document the probable cause that leads to an arrest before a warrant could be obtained.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger ‌State’s ⁠NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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