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
• reorder
• assemble
• carry
• lock
• slap
• shift
• clap
• affix
• plop
• plump
• plunk
• settle
• niche
• plonk
• plunk down
• ensconce
• array
• flop
• rank
• set down
• lodge
• anchor
• line up
• lay out
• wedge
• plank
• queue
• berth

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
• marshall
• 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
• aline
• 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

Though the figures are disposed differently than in Botticelli’s painting, the motif is similar, showing Mary holding an open pomegranate in one hand while propping up the baby Jesus with the other. —Demir Alp, JSTOR Daily, 29 Aug. 2025

Officers released the man after learning the man hadn't threatened anyone with the ordnance and was merely trying to dispose of it responsibly, according to department spokesperson Sgt. —Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 29 Aug. 2025

Consumers who purchased affected shrimp are advised to dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. —Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

Even if all visitors properly dispose of bodily waste following Leave No Trace standards—in a cathole six to eight inches deep and at least 200 feet from trails, campsites, and bodies of water—in areas with extremely high visitation, excrement will eventually reach a critical mass. —Owen Clarke, Outside, 27 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing dispose

• dispose of