DISTRIBUTE Synonyms: 134 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'distribute' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal , dispense , divide , and dole out . While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts. // distributed food to the needy

Q: When can 'deal' be used instead of 'distribute'?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece. // deal out equipment and supplies

Q: In what contexts can 'dispense' take the place of 'distribute'?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need. // dispensed wisdom to the students

Q: When is 'divide' a more appropriate choice than 'distribute'?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal. // three charitable groups divided the proceeds

Q: When could 'dole out' be used to replace 'distribute'?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute , dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply. // doled out what little food there was

distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt

Definition of distribute

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to allot

to give as a share or portion committed to distributing the school's limited scholarship money so that it benefits more students

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to dispense

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb distribute differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of distribute are deal, dispense, divide, and dole out. While all these words mean "to give out, usually in shares, to each member of a group," distribute implies an apportioning by separation of something into parts, units, or amounts.

distributed food to the needy

When can deal be used instead of distribute?

While the synonyms deal and distribute are close in meaning, deal emphasizes the allotment of something piece by piece.

deal out equipment and supplies

In what contexts can dispense take the place of distribute?

The synonyms dispense and distribute are sometimes interchangeable, but dispense suggests the giving of a carefully weighed or measured portion to each of a group according to due or need.

dispensed wisdom to the students

When is divide a more appropriate choice than distribute?

In some situations, the words divide and distribute are roughly equivalent. However, divide stresses the separation of a whole into parts and implies that the parts are equal.

three charitable groups divided the proceeds

When could dole out be used to replace distribute?

While in some cases nearly identical to distribute, dole out implies a carefully measured portion of something that is often in short supply.

doled out what little food there was

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 distribute Thermodynamic computing would make use of thermodynamic processes, which distribute and dissipate energy and inevitably increase randomness at the microscopic scale. — Quanta Magazine, 15 July 2026 While there may also now be a breakdown of this trend in some parts of the world, in which wealthier people are beginning to have more children, Parker argues that wealth becomes less distributed in a family with one child versus six. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026 In a brief filing, Google’s legal team informs the court that Google is prepared to begin distributing third-party app stores in Google Play on July 22. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026 Bench personnel should also not enter the field of play during these breaks, except for those distributing fluids or other medical needs. — Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for distribute

Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute

Verb

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified it as a chronic disease in 1997.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026
Broadnose sevengill sharks are considered aggressive when provoked and are classified as dangerous in both Australia and New Zealand, per the Institute.

— Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026

Definition of classify

Verb

And then another and another, nearly doubling the time allotted, thrilled to be exploring the connections between past and present.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
The salary structure was also updated in the new CBA, changing how teams can allot their caps.

— Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of allot

Verb

Over that period, affiliates dispensed about 25% fewer packs of birth control pills and conducted about 20% fewer breast cancer exams than the previous year.

— Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Specialty drugs come from the wave of new biologic medicines and other prescriptions not dispensed in the traditional pharmacy like pills, capsules and tablets typically picked up at Walgreens or CVS Health drugstores.

— Bruce Japsen, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Definition of dispense

Verb

Last year, the investment bank UBS ranked Miami as the top city globally at risk of a bubble — when value is overinflated, typically leading to a sharp drop or burst to correct course.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
Illicit finance and risks to consumers continue to be deep concerns that prompted compelling comments by two high ranking Senators last week.

— Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of rank

Verb

An aide can be assigned to watch a particularly challenging resident one-on-one, but many places lack enough staff for protracted, dedicated supervision.

— Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 July 2026
Boaters can purchase an individual AIS Stamp for $7, which is assigned to the individual purchasing the stamp.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

Definition of assign

Verb

Neeru decided to go back to school at age 50 and earned another master’s degree, from Stanford Graduate School of Education, before launching CK-12 Foundation, a non-profit that provides free and customizable digital textbooks for children.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Along with affordable homes, Lupo said, the best cities for first-time buyers also provide lower crime rates, good schools and a lower overall cost of living.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of provide

Verb

Sugar acts like each cell’s own personal crest, helping to distinguish them from each other.

— Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Clinical psychologist Willoughby Britton distinguishes between temporary distress and experiences that negatively affect daily functioning.

— Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026

Definition of distinguish

Browse Nearby Words

distributary

distribute

distributed

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“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of distribute

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