Synonyms of distribute

distribute

verb

di-ˈstri-byüt 

1

as in to classify

to arrange or assign according to type

distribute the assignments according to seniority

Synonyms & Similar Words

• classify
• rank
• distinguish
• relegate
• group
• organize
• categorize
• separate
• type
• sort
• grade
• identify
• place
• codify
• digest
• file
• class
• recognize
• list
• compartmentalize
• range
• dispose
• order
• refer
• assort
• peg
• catalog
• break down
• systematize
• compartment
• cull
• index
• alphabetize
• array
• shelve
• marshal
• draw up
• sift
• reclassify
• winnow
• cluster
• sieve
• clump
• regroup
• pigeonhole
• set
• screen
• recategorize
• colligate
• subcategorize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• lump
• scramble
• confuse
• mix (up)
• disarrange
• jumble
• misclassify
• mistype
• missort

2

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

• allot
• assign
• allocate
• apportion
• allow
• lot
• ration
• give
• divide
• dispense
• portion
• administer
• measure
• grant
• split
• deal
• share (out)
• redistribute
• award
• donate
• contribute
• prorate
• hand out
• part
• dole out
• reserve
• mete (out)
• meter
• parcel (out)
• earmark
• reallocate
• accord
• reassign
• admeasure
• reapportion
• chip in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• deny
• retain
• deprive (of)
• withhold
• keep
• begrudge
• appropriate
• stint
• confiscate
• arrogate

3

as in to dispense

to give out (something) to appropriate individuals

distributed pamphlets on recycling to everyone in the neighborhood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• dispense
• provide
• allocate
• administer
• divide
• supply
• assign
• portion
• donate
• furnish
• apportion
• deal (out)
• share
• dole out
• prorate
• redistribute
• hand out
• parcel (out)
• contribute
• spread
• disseminate
• circulate
• mete (out)
• split
• allot
• issue
• disburse
• proportion
• measure (out)
• appropriate
• lot
• share (out)
• disperse
• ration
• allow
• bestow
• set
• scatter
• pledge
• part
• dish out
• reallocate
• admeasure
• divvy (up)
• reapportion
• chip in
• dollop (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• refuse
• withhold
• deny
• reject
• deprive (of)
• disallow
• decline
• misallocate
• begrudge
• pinch
• skimp
• stint
• niggle (out)

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

Recent Examples of distribute

In Nunda, officials continue to call for more volunteers to distribute sandbags to help residents build floodwalls before the river crests. —Christiana Freitag, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

Harsha added that the CRA is concerned the agency will or has already begun front-loading its grant funding to catch up on spending, doling out the full amount of a grant instead of distributing it over the course of a number of years. —Fiona Bork, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2026

Nareit said health care REITs distributed more than $7 billion in dividends in 2024. —Jordan Rau, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026

Possession with intent to distribute a Class B drug. —Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026