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 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 Where is the line between laying the dead to rest and simply disposing of the body? ArsTechnica, 25 June 2026 Never dispose of live charcoal on the ground. Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Other food items were also held past their seven-day date marking, which were then disposed of. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
Verb
  • Ukraine's military general staff said Monday that the strike caused a fire at the facility, which is situated nearly 2,500 kilometers (1,553 miles) from Ukrainian territory and close to Russia's border with Kazakhstan.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 7 July 2026
  • The master bedroom is situated downstairs, so has ample headroom to stand upright.
    Adam Williams July 06, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • The Education Department initially classified only 11 fields as professional, leaving out areas including nursing, physical therapy and education.
    Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Devine told me that e-bike and moped marketing is confusing and regulations keeping e-bikes safely classified are cloudy.
    Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • In his fifth-inning at-bat, Stephenson was on the other side of two successful challenges by Rutschman that put him down 1-2 in the count instead of up 3-0.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 6 July 2026
  • Go on, put the 131-cube (2,147 cc) monster engine into that one.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Residents arrange for projectors, audio speakers and power generators, Sikh temples and village community spaces become open-air theaters for an evening, and volunteers spread the word from one household to the next.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
  • The property’s expert concierge is always a WhatsApp message away and can arrange a menu of experiences at the villas or nearby resort for you—or leave your schedule empty for hours spent by the pool and traversing nearby cliffs and beaches.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • During closing arguments Monday, Deputy District Attorney Daniel Gochnour said GPS data placed Vasquez’s phone at the site of both fires around the time each was reported.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
  • The commercial airline pilot ultimately placed third, and was selected to lead the following season of The Bachelor.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • Players are responsible for organizing tables and groups; the Senior Center cannot arrange seating or table assignments.
    Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2026
  • According to the psychologist, people who organize their day this way are more likely to complete the tasks that matter most because the brain responds better to specific, achievable goals than to endless to-do lists.
    Ana Morales, Vogue, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The incident happened Friday in Yountville, an unincorporated town located 43 miles north of San Francisco.
    Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • The annual memorial, organized by Castile’s mother, Valerie Castile, took place Monday night at the Philando Castile Peace Garden, located outside the north entrance to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
    Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • That kind of granular information is important for emergency responders in the field and planners who make decisions about calling for extra help or ordering evacuations.
    Eric Niiler, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Americans across the nation are being asked (or ordered) to conserve water, thanks to widespread drought made even worse by a punishing heat wave.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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