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 The trust’s beneficiaries—his solicitor Diana Rawstron and his daughter Rose Boyt—were instructed to distribute it according to his private wishes. Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Big Grove distributes its products in six different states. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025 Les Films Opale and Entract will co-distribute in Canada. Jennie Punter, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025 YouTube has had a partnership with the NFL since signing on to distribute its Sunday Ticket streaming package in 2023. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for distribute
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distribute
Verb
  • The star, classified as IRAS 04302+2247, or IRAS 04302, is a protostar, with its disk measuring at around 40 billion miles (65 billion km) wide.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • It was classified as a heritage site in 1995 and then as a national monument in 1997.
    Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Jessi wasn’t allowed to close the door of the bathroom and was allotted seven minutes to shower.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025
  • Sources told the Los Angeles Times that the CHP has been allotted to cover her.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Then hit the autofill button, and the nozzle lowers down to just over the rim of the glass and starts dispensing.
    PCMag Staff, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025
  • From interactive games to snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys, there are plenty of puzzles out there on the market.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Everytown for Gun Safety, an organization lobbying for greater gun control across the country, ranks Minnesota 14th in the nation on gun law strength.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The most recent edition of Deloitte’s Football Money League, which ranks clubs worldwide by revenue, had six English clubs (no prizes for guessing which) in the top 10.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Among other resources, an engine has also been assigned to fight the wildfire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Their goal was to find an IP address — the unique identifier assigned to every cell phone and computer — that could reveal the source.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The triangular lights have a solar panel on the long, top side that generates power throughout the day to provide up to eight hours of lighting overnight.
    Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Dario Essugo and Andrey Santos (following his return from Strasbourg on loan) provide more options in midfield.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Code does not distinguish between voluntary and involuntary expatriation.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Its data did not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Foreign-aid organizations challenged the administration's ability to refuse to spend funds already allocated by Congress.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The grants were allocated under President Joe Biden's signature Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, an anti-gun violence law signed after the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Distribute.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distribute. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on distribute

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