Synonyms of dispose

dispose

verb

di-ˈspōz 

1

as in to situate

to arrange something in a certain spot or position

looking for the perfect spot to dispose the new knickknack

Synonyms & Similar Words

• situate
• put
• place
• locate
• position
• deposit
• lay
• stick
• depose
• set
• fix
• set up
• emplace
• plant
• park
• collect
• establish
• move
• rearrange
• orient
• assemble
• carry
• reorder
• lock
• shift
• slap
• clap
• affix
• plop
• plunk
• settle
• niche
• plunk down
• plump
• array
• ensconce
• rank
• set down
• lodge
• anchor
• line up
• lay out
• wedge
• plank
• flop
• berth
• queue

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• remove
• take
• relocate
• replace
• displace
• banish
• supersede
• supplant
• dislodge

2

as in to classify

to put into a particular arrangement

disposed the surgical instruments in the exact order in which they would be needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• classify
• arrange
• organize
• order
• systematize
• codify
• draw up
• marshal
• array
• place
• lay out
• range
• groom
• align
• display
• make up
• prioritize
• straighten (up)
• file
• spruce (up)
• set out
• sequence
• line
• set
• tidy (up)
• line up
• cue
• queue
• emplace
• unscramble
• alphabetize
• map (out)
• hierarchize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upset
• disarray
• disarrange
• derange
• mess (up)
• disorder
• muss (up)
• rumple

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

Recent Examples of dispose

Police say that surveillance video showed Adams fleeing the scene and disposing of the murder weapon in a storm drain. —Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026

That is below the 1,402 cases added and 1,339 disposed in the four months prior, records show. —Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 23 Jan. 2026

Such spontaneous memorials are typically removed and their contents quietly disposed of. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026

Instead, prosecutors say, many were given ashes that did not belong to their pets — and that the remains of thousands of animals were improperly disposed of. —Meghan Schiller, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing dispose

• dispose of