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

And every eight to 10 years or so when a turf field reaches the end of its useful life, there’s the expensive challenge of tearing it up and figuring out what to do with tens of thousands of pounds of toxic-laden crumb rubber that must be safely disposed of at every single field. —Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025

There’s a reason every culture has a custom for disposing of bodies. —Karan Mahajan, New Yorker, 3 July 2025

Before completing this step, make sure all of your wipes, paper towels, and other things used to clean your bathroom have been disposed of in this trash can. —Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 July 2025

People also get upset when their neighbors are too lazy to dispose of the leaves and just blow them out of their yard. —Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025

Phrases Containing dispose

• dispose of