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 The younger brother was able to escape after the victim’s son called 911 as Raymond Garcia left the house briefly, authorities said,to dispose of the AR-15 style rifle he was armed with in a tree line around the area. Tj MacIas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sep. 2025 According to Snake Catcher Dan, a licensed snake catcher service based in Australia's Sunshine Coast, the family had enjoyed their delivery pizza and left the box out to dispose of later. Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025 Deer carcasses and parts should go directly to a landfill or be disposed of through your regular bagged trash pickup. Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Here a miserable delivery boy gets by disposing of mummies recovered in Iquique, North of Chile. John Hopewell, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dispose
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dispose
Verb
  • The epicenter was situated approximately 2 miles southeast of Warner Springs, at a depth of 11 miles.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • The area where the attack occurred is dominated by a majority-Jewish neighborhood situated right next to a majority-Muslim neighborhood.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The cause was classified as norovirus, a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and is commonly known as the stomach flu.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Both the Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball classify the race as a likely victory for Spanberger.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Let the filter dry completely before putting it back and using the blow dryer again.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Notre Dame had a 79-yard TD drive in the third quarter and a 52-yarder in the fourth to put the game away.
    Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The continual delays have led to many embarrassing moments, the most recent coming last Tuesday, when, after Barca officials told the media the Camp Nou was ready, the Barcelona city council arranged a press conference of their own in reply.
    Pol Ballús, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
  • For the Rolliefest finale, Hess and his team of organizers arranged a farewell cocktail party in the winter garden of the new private residences at the Waldorf Astoria, fresh off an almost-eight-year, multibillion dollar restoration.
    Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ryan Blaney and Elliott are placed first and second in the standings, followed by Kyle Larson in third.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Utah placed certain limits on therapy chatbots, including requiring them to protect users’ health information and to clearly disclose that the chatbot isn’t human.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The jump in homeless youth represents a rising number of Cincinnati families who face unstable housing situations, said Rico Blackman, director of organizing at the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Church member Greg Mikat was shot three times, according to the GoFundMe his sister has organized, sustaining injuries to his leg and chest and remains hospitalized, after confronting the gunman.
    Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rayna James' house was located in Belle Meade, many scenes take place at the Bluebird Cafe, and other filming locations include Percy Warner Park, the Ryman Auditorium, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, The 5 Spot, The Parthenon at Centennial Park, The Grand Ole Opry, Biscuit Love, and more.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Taylor does have a bus pass and has been previously located in Milwaukee, police said.
    Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The administration also ordered Texas troops to Portland and Chicago.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • He was sentenced to serve seven days in a DUI education center and ordered to pay a $350 fine and court fees.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 6 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Dispose.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dispose. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on dispose

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