distribute

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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 Since electricity to Gaza was cut after the horrors of October 7th, diesel became essential to treat and distribute water, but there’s been a hundred-plus-day blockade on fuel coming into Gaza. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 July 2025 The film, distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery, zoomed past $293 million at the global box office over the weekend. Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 7 July 2025 The flyers are distributed to individual immigrants through scheduling orders, judges' orders, Board of Immigration Appeals mailings and uploaded into official records, the letter said. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 7 July 2025 Additional support in Smart Wing Tec distributes breast weight evenly, reducing pressure points. Yola Robert, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for distribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute
Verb
  • The information, classified as secret, pertained to military targets and Russian military capabilities, according to the plea agreement.
    CBS News, CBS News, 14 July 2025
  • While their exact design and capabilities are classified, Keyhole satellites are believed to provide the sharpest images of any spy satellite in orbit.
    Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • First Qatar, then Senegal, Togo, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, China, Lebanon and the U.K. spoke for three minutes each, the time allotted to member states.
    Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
  • Even more unconventional is the way these portals are arrayed and allotted.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • As Dee and Dennis raced to loot their parents' house, Charlie, Frank, and Mac found that Philly strippers (including future stars Tiffany Haddish and Natasha Leggero) were moved to dispense free lap dances on guys in wheelchairs, a lightbulb moment that ignited the bond between Charlie and Frank.
    Dennis Perkins, EW.com, 10 July 2025
  • The director general of Gaza’s health ministry said the strike hit near a medical center dispensing children’s formula to women.
    Abeer Salman, CNN Money, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • This one ranked among his best with eight strikeouts, matching his career high while lowering his ERA to 2.31.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
  • Tolle, Boston’s second-round pick, is currently ranked No. 49 on Baseball America’s Top 100.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Futures market data shows that investors now assign a 93.3% probability that the Fed will keep rates unchanged at its July meeting.
    , CNBC, 14 July 2025
  • Registration ensures everyone is accounted for, prevents duplication of efforts and allows coordinators to assign tasks efficiently, Mckell said.
    Lily Kepner, Austin American Statesman, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • Businesses should ask chatbot vendors to provide real-world data showing how their bots compare to human agents in terms of efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2025
  • Foster's husband's employer provides a dependent care flexible spending account for working parents.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • At just under 6-5 without shoes, Tre distinguishes himself as an outside shooter.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • The team had already distinguished itself as one of just six top-flight clubs with greater revenue than expenses in 2024.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The legislation has to pass by July 18, or the funding will remain as allocated.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 10 July 2025
  • The third would appropriate relief and recovery funding to assist Hill Country flood victims, including allocating local match funding for jurisdictions eligible for FEMA public assistance.
    Bethany Blankley, The Washington Examiner, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

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