dispose

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 Junkier scans waste and uses geo-location to suggest the best way to dispose. Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025 Starting September 1, nail techs can no longer use or sell gel polishes containing TPO, and nail salons must dispose of any products containing the chemical. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Sep. 2025 The president proposes, and Congress disposes The US Congress, however, was not pleased by this. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 Products should be disposed of or returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
Verb
  • Kepler further situates its progress within China’s broader push in robotics, stating that domestic innovators have emerged as significant contributors to industry growth and that K2 aims to translate technology upgrades into practical, multi-scenario operations.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But a nurse, teacher, or firefighter who made the exact same income and was similarly situated economically in every other way would have a federal income tax bill of $9,060 – more than twice as much.
    Ben Ritz, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Forbes classifies Ellison–who bought nearly all of the Hawaiian island Lanai for $300 million in 2012–as a California resident based on his voter registration.
    Ella Malmgren, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Arguing that relocation can stem the loss of biodiversity, the government has classified some islands used by Nicobarese tribals as wildlife sanctuaries.
    M. Rajshekhar, Time, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But Karl Maybach’s greatest contribution to the wonders of European civilization were his enormously powerful diesel engines that gave birth to the very first high-speed trains of Europe, emphatically putting steam trains out of business.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Studies put misread rates between 10% and 35%, depending on conditions.
    Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • North was convicted in 1989 on three felony charges for helping to arrange the illicit sale of weapons to Iran and divert the proceeds to fund a secret war against anti-communist Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Wegovy injection pens arranged in Waterbury, Vermont, US, on Monday, April 28, 2025.
    Karen Gilchrist,Katrina Bishop, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • After the shooting, the school was placed in a lockdown and officials swept the campus.
    Alex Stone, ABC News, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Mourners, many of whom were visibly upset and wearing Walmart uniforms, placed electric candles at the memorial.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Zhmo Canvas Tote Bag Finding a work bag that checks every box—fits your laptop, holds your lunch and water bottle, keeps things organized, and still looks stylish—is no small feat.
    Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • This became clear from talking—between watching sail races—to those involved with organizing a Rolex SailGP event in France.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The duration of a root canal depends on where the affected tooth is located and the degree of the infection.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Because disc golf is so easy to play — and easy to locate on just a few acres — people keep building disc golf courses.
    Nate Heinold, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The arbitrator also ordered the city to pay Biscari back wages and benefits as well as the legal costs that Local 42 accrued in pursuing the grievance.
    Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • At the same time, the White House has ordered immigration enforcement in cities around the country.
    Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispose

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!